Dignitaries from all walks of life stormed Utu Ikot Imonte in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State in solidarity with Hon. Okpolupm Etteh as he bid a grand farewell to his stepmother-in-law, Eti-Eka Lady Grace Ekanem (Mama Rug), who transited to eternal glory at the age of 64.
The funeral service, conducted on Saturday by St Paul’s Autonomous Catholic Church, Utu Ikot Imonte, was held amidst pomp and celebration.
Hon. Etteh, who is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on University Education and representative of Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, in a condolence message, described the deceased as an embodiment of peace, unity, love and a woman imbued with deep compassion.
“She epitomized true motherhood and friendship. She was a treasure to the family and her demise is a great loss to my family. She will be greatly missed,” Hon. Etteh maintained.
The event attracted a collage of crème-de-la-crème in government and social circles including the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong; the Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Obong Paul Ekpo; the Member representing Uyo State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo; Chairmen of Etim Ekpo, Abak and Ibeno Local Government Councils, Chief Ekpok Eshiet, Elder Ekerete Inyang and Hon. Emma Ibok; Chairman of SUBEB, Elder Anietie Etok; Chairman of State Secondary Education Board, Dr Ekaette Ebong-Okon; two former Chairmen of Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, Barr. Akan Eyo and Barr. Chris Okorie; two former Chairmen of Ibeno Local Government Council, Hon. Henry Ekpe-Nko and Hon. Sunday Isokobo; State Officer of the PDP, Mrs. Grace Ekpen-Nko; Mr. Nkopuruk Ekaiko; Mrs. Emmanuel Akpan; Mrs. Ntimkpo Udoka; Magdalene Udom, among others.
The late Grace Ekanem, until her demise on the 26th day of March 2024, was an outstanding businesswoman, a revered Lady of the Knight of St John International, and a committed member of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO).
