Oldest Itu Mbunuzo indigene in Calabar bows out at 130 years

It was a carnival-like outing as the remains of late Presiding Elder (Chief) Jack Akpan Nyah who passed on in the early hours of 5th July 2022 after a brief illness was escorted home to his family compound at Etike in Mbukwa Okopedi, Itu-Mbonuzo, Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State over the weekend. The hundred and thirty years siege was born in 1892 and came to Calabar in 1907.

Late Chief Jack Akpan Nyah who retired from the earstwhile Cross River State Ministry of Works as an Assistant Road Overseer was ordained into the Council of Ruling Elders and later elevated to the office of the Mount Zion One-in-Christ Church, in Calabar as presiding Elder where he continued in the service of God untill his death.

Due to his leadership qualities and intelligence, coupled with his team spirit, Okopedi Itu-Mbonuzo youths Association in then South Eastern State appointed his Coordinator and Secretary.

In a tribute released to newsmen by one of his surviving nine children, great and great grand children, Pastor Isaac Jack Akpan on behalf of the chief mourner, Pastor Monday Jack described his passage as a blessing given the indelible marks he has left on the sands of time in the family, church and society.

At the Funeral and Memorial Service held in his honour conducted by His Lordship, Bishop Maurice O. Etim (General Overseer) and Rev. (Amb.) Emiang E. Etim (Sectional Leader) and General Secretary) of Mount Zion One-in-Christ Church Headquarters, the cleric referencing Psalm 32 Vs 11 “Be glad in the lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are up right in heart,” admonished Christians to live righteous lives and be upright in heart so as to inherit the grace to exceed the Biblical three scores and one life-span like the faithful departed Patriarch, late presiding Elder (Chief) Jack Akpan Nyah whose vacuum is huge to fill in the church and community.

Officiating ministers at the occasion in Calabar and Ikot Eseh in Okopedi Itu-Mbonuzo, Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State were Apostle Anietie Udo, Pastor (Dr.) Essien E. Etim and Evangelist Jessy Clement among others.

Condolence message were received from Mr. Stanley Osimise (JP) Deputy Director of Administration, Government of Cross River State, Apostle Bassey E. Okon, Minister-in-charge of Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel church Inc, Ikot Eyo Assembly, Calabar and Larfarge West Africa cement company, Mfamosing plant, Cross River State.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)