Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at the weekend joined the family, friends, and associates of his departed Honorary Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Ntufam Elijah Iyak to bid him farwell.
At a solemn funeral service, the governor condoled with the Nto Udoiyak family of Uruk Uso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, on the demise of their hero.
In his message of condolence presented on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State at the funeral service in honour of the deceased, Governor Umo Eno expressed regret over the death of Iyak at a time when his support and counsel were greatly needed, describing life as transient.
He said the late Udoeka, as he was fondly called, was one of his major supporters in the 2023 gubernatorial election, through his sponsorship of the “Bo-Eno” project and other major political movements that culminated in his emergence as governor.
He described him as a dependable ally who would not hesitate to lend his voice to what he believed in.
In his words: “For me, Udoeka was the kind of man you could rely on and depend on. He would counsel and always tell you his mind at every point in time.
“A lot of you have come to be familiar with that Bo-Eno tag. Udoeka was the financier of that campaign slogan. He raised money across the board, and Bo-Eno was inaugurated in virtually all the local government areas in the state.
“He was a man who, when he decided to do something, would follow through with his mind and money, and if he wasn’t going to do it, you would know he wouldn’t do it.
“So I stand here today on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State to commiserate with the children, wife, and all of you related to him. We assure you that even though we lost a gem, we trust that God in His infinite mercy will console us and give us the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
“We will deeply miss him, but I want you to know that God is our comforter on earth. That same God is still alive,” he added.
On his part, the immediate past Governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, said the deceased was a brother, friend, great supporter, and a results-oriented man.
He said: “Many people knew how close he was to me in my tour of duty as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. He was evidently one of my most trusted lieutenants.
“The level of trust I invested in him was a result of the confidence I had in his capacity and sagacity. My shock is the finality of death. It is difficult to say goodnight to a friend when it’s still morning,” he added.
Delivering a sermon titled, “His Days Have Been Appointed,” taken from Job 14:1-6, the Ikot Ekpene Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church, Pastor E. O. Akpan, said there is a day appointed by God for every man, which no man can change, adding that it is now left for man to prepare for that day of his departure.
The service, held at The Apostolic Church Convention Ground, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life, both within and outside the state and country.
