Sunday August 3, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Managing Director of Ibom Hotel and former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh has mourned the demise of his immediate Senior Brother, Sir Emmanuel Sebastián Udoh aka Bullet, even as funeral plan gathers momentum.
Late Sir Emmanuel “Bullet” Udoh, a former Team Manager of Akwa United Football Club and a respected football figure was announced death on Saturday, May 31 from when funeral preparations commenced with tributes and condolences pouring in from the family, friends and associates.
In a tribute by Sir Charles Udoh, the immediate younger brother of Bullet and Delivery Advisor to the Governor on Tourism, shared on his social media handles, he reflected on their bond and the pain of losing a dear brother.
In the tribute titled “A Personal Tribute to My Late Immediate Senior Brother – Sir Emmanuel ‘Bullet’ Udoh, KSJI,” the MD described his brother as a rock and a guiding light who shaped his life from childhood into adulthood.
Recalling their growing up days in Calabar where he was mostly known as “ekpri eyeneka Bullet”, meaning Bullet’s younger brother,” a title he he said he wore with pride. “Being called your younger brother meant something. It gave me a sense of honour and belonging. Your name opened doors for me long before I knew how to knock,” he eulogised.
Udoh shared stories of how he followed in his brother’s football footsteps, switching from goalkeeper to central defender to live up to his brother’s legacy on the field and also spoke about wearing his brother’s shirts and adopting his quiet yet confident style.
He described his late brother Emmanuel as his fixer, his sounding board and the man who stood firm for their family after the loss of their parents. “You were the one connecting me with the grassroots. You never craved recognition, but you work behind the scenes to keep everything moving,” he mourned.
Sir Udoh, also remembered their shared spiritual journey as members of the Knights of St. John International which he averred fulfilled a dream their late father never got to realise.
The emotional tribute ended with the Delivery Advisor recalling the last time he saw his late brother, Emmanuel. “That day, you wore that KSJI face cap, the same one you bought for me. It seemed so small then. Now, it feels like a silent goodbye. A brother’s final nod.”
Tributes and condolences have continued to pour in from across the Nigerian football community and within the state, the latest coming from the three Ministries where Sir Charles Udoh served as Honourable Commissioners being the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Environment as well as Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Until his death, Emmanuel Udoh served as Team Manager of Akwa United for many years and was deeply respected for his dedication to the Football club. He also played a key role in Akwa United’s historic 2021 NPFL title win and their two FA Cup triumphs. He was also a former Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association.
His legacy, both on and off the pitch, lives on in the memories of those who knew him, particularly his younger brother Charles Udoh, who concluded his tribute by saying, “You were more than my brother. You were my mirror, my reminder of home, my shield. Rest well, Bros. You ran your race – with heart, with grit, with grace”, he concluded.
According to family sources, opening of the mourning house is scheduled for Thursday, 7th August, 2025 at the Family Compound in Obio Offot, Uyo by
12 noon while a Commemorative match by Obio Offot Sports Committee is scheduled for Sunday, 10th August by 4pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Obio Offot, Uyo. There will also be a Commemorative match between Calabar Rovers vs Akwa United Football Club on Tuesday, 12th August, 2025 at the Uyo Township Stadium by 4pm.
On Wednesday 13th August, 2025 there will be a Vigil Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Obio Offot, Uyo by 6pm while internment will hold at the family compound, in Obio Offot, Uyo, on Thursday, 14th August, 2025, after a Funeral Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Obio Offot by 10am.
Accordingly, the bereaved family has extended invitation to the Football community, friends, associates, in-laws, sympathizers, and the general public, to share with them in all the lined-up activities.
