Akwa Ibom Governor Orders ‘Repatriation’ of Make-Up Artist’s Remains for Proper Burial

• Pays Condolence Visit To The Family

The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued an official statement regarding the recent passing and burial of Abigail Frederick, a talented make-up artist who tragically lost her life in a boat accident a few days ago along with Actor Pope Jr. and a couple of other persons.

Reports revealed that due to financial constraints, Abigail’s family could not afford the traditional rites necessary to bring her body back to Akwa Ibom for a proper burial, as a result of that, she was to be buried at the bank of the river where she drowned.

In a statement released by the Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, emphasised that the Governor is aware of the tragic boat mishap which occured few days ago. The release further stressed the the Governor has directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial.

“In their Words”

“His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State is aware of the tragic boat mishap which occured a few days ago on River Niger involving some Nollywood Actors and other supporting crew members while on a trip to a movie location”.

“One of the victims of that accident, Miss Abigail Edith Frederick was a quintessential example of our young people who have harkened to our clarion call for them to arise and shine. We are deeply saddened by her painful passing and on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we sympathize with her family”.

“We have also followed and read the reportage, especially on the social media platforms surrounding her burial and wish to state categorically that government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial. His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial”, The Akwa Ibom State Government wrote.

Earlier, Governor Umo Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, this afternoon drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make- up artist. Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, where he consoled the bereaved family.

Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno, sat with the grieving family members and told them he feels their pain.

“This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who, finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.

“This is a reflection of our ARISE spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.

“It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did.

“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of Government to console and encourage the family.

“You are not just the Governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner- in-Chief and give them hope.

“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives.

“Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”

The Governor thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.

The Governor also assured of Government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make- up artist.