Imitate Sacrificial Spirit of Gen. Edet Akpan- Oku Ibom Ibibio Charges A’Ibom People
...Receives Notification of Gen. Akpan Demise
By Ekemini Simon
The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Nteyin Solomon Daniel Etuk has called on Akwa Ibom people to follow the pattern of sacrifices made by Late Gen. Edet Akpan.
The Patriarch made the call in his palace today, Wednesday, when the family of Late General Akpan paid him a courtesy visit to notify him of the demise of the General.
Nteyin Etuk noted that the General will always be remembered for putting the interest of the State before his personal gains.
Oku Ibom Ibibio stated that besides being one of the architects of the creation of the State, the late General was renowned for utilizing his wide contacts to bring about development in the State.
He added” He had a meritorious service.
His words often centre on the unity and love of Ibibio people. We should believe in his philosophy if we want to progress as a State. Now that he has departed, let our love and unity be stronger so that his sacrifices and contributions for our State would not be in vain.
” If we are united as a people and be true to developmental ideals, then we would be building on the foundations he among other forebears have laid and we will always remember him.”
The Patriarch said since Late Gen. Akpan is an illustrious son of the land, Elders across party lines should give themselves willingly to ensure the burial is a reflection of a man that would be missed by the State.
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On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Joe Ntuk Obom described Late Gen. Edet Akpan as a great son of Akwa Ibom who loved the unity and progress of the State.
He added ” He does not joke with Ibibio course and the unity of the State. When it comes to Ibibio course, there’s no politics at all for him. We have lost a patriotic son of Ibibio land. However, he has left behind a reputable name to be remembered and a great foundation to be built upon. Anytime we talk about Ibibio as a people, his name will definitely be mentioned.”
Earlier in his remarks, the spokesperson for the Family, Engr Efiok Akpan offered insight to the fact that the late General died on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the age of 79.
He noted that although the family would miss him, they are delighted over the fact that he died a stress free death.
Akpan said ” He didn’t suffer before he died. He only went into his bed and departed. That clearly shows that he was a man after God’s heart”.
He noted that the burial arrangement would be made public when plans are concluded.
General Edet Akpan had voluntarily retired from the Nigerian Military in 1996 with the enviable rank of a Two-Star General.
Upon his retirement, he was appointed a Member, University Council, University of
Ibadan and later the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University
of Technology, Yola (now Modibbu Adama University of Technology, Yola) Adamawa State (2000 2004).
Among other National services, General Edet Akpan has served as the Director General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
