Sunday May l8, 2025 |
Late community leader and retired civil servant from Afaha Ikot Ede, in Mbiaso Court Area of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Emmanuel Akpan Ekere, will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in his home town.
According to the Chief Mourner, Akparawa Asuquo Emmanuel Akpan, Late Obong Ekere died at the ripe age of 90 years and the funeral service would be conducted by the Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Nsit II, Afaha Offiong Superintendency, at the deseased compound, 18 Nung Ebor, Afaha Ikot Ede.
He was born on August 26, 1934 into the family of Late Chief Akpan Obot Mbat of Nung Ebor. His mother was Late Bessie Akpan Ukpong of Nung Ede, both in Afaha Ikot Ede, Afaha Nsit II, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Born into a Christian family, Late Obong Ekere was baptized in Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Nsit II, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. He deepened his faith through active participation in church programs.
His educational dreams were dimmed due to the sudden death of his parents.
Late Obong Ekere married his beloved wife in a beautiful church ceremony, surrounded by family and friends. His faith guided his actions and decisions, shaping his life as a devoted Christian.
He prioritized providing for his children, ensuring they received the best upbringing possible. As a Christian, he took a decision to not engage himself in social vices. A practice that promoted his faith in Christ Jesus.
As a civil servant, he was employed at General Hospital, Etinan in 1972 by the then Cross River State Government. On the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987, he continued working diligently with Akwa Ibom State Government until his statutory retirement in 1996. His dedication to service earned him respect from colleagues and community members alike. He was fondly called “Etukudo Mbakara” by his colleagues.
Beyond his official responsibilities, he played a significant role in his community.
In 1994, he served as the chairman of the Electricity Project in Nung Ebor, spearheading efforts to bring electricity to his community, thereby transforming lives and fostering development.
In his free time, Late Obong Ekere enjoyed farming and petty trading. These hobbies not only supplemented his income but also brought joy to his family, the Chief Mourner Akparawa Asuquo Akpan said.
He married his devoted wife, Deaconess Micah Emmanuel (nee Micah Tim) of Afaha Ikot Ede. As a man of one wife, their union was blessed with eight loving children—five males and three females. Sadly, two predeceased him.
He answered the final call to be with his Creator on December 27, 2024, after a brief illness.
Late Obong Emmanuel Akpan Ekere is survived by his wife, children, sisters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, Nephews, Nieces and a host of relatives who mourn his passing.
Nsit Ibom Community Leader, Obong Akpan, For Burial, Saturday, May 24
