Remains of a matriarch, Elder Chief Ako Esien Oku interred at Creek Town
It was a celebration of life as the remains of late Elder Chief Mrs. Ako Oboko Eyo Esien Oku was interred at Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State after Funeral /Memorial Service held on Friday, 19th April 2024 at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) Hope Waddel Parish, Calabar.
The Programme which was officiated by his Eminence, Rev. Ekpenyong Akpanika, Prelate and moderator of PCN General Assembly in league with Most Rev.Theophilus A. Egbala, Minister in charge and Elder Barrister Linus Okon, Session Clerk, had Rev. Dr Takis Caiafas, Chairman, Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) Cross River State Chapter in attendance.
In his homily referencing John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life, whosoever believes in me; though he may die, yet he shall live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die,” posited that death is not the end of life but beginning of journey into eternity for those who live in Christ Jesus who went to prepare a Place for the Saints and reflecting on Philipians 1:21 ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain’.
She was born on April 21, 1926 and passed on February 18th 2024 at the good age of 98. She was married to late Elder Chief Dr. Oboko Eyo Esien Oku of Esien Oku Family of Creek Town, a retired special Grade Headmistress was elected Second President of the Woman’s Guild of the Parish upon her return home on her transfer from Mary Slessor Parish Port Harcourt to Hope Waddel Presbyterian Church, where she was appointed Patron of the newly inaugurated C.G.I.T of Hope Waddel Parish in Calabar.
As a mistress at Edgerly Memorial Secondary School, she ascended to the rank of Captain in the 1st Calabar Company of the Girls Guide Movement, demonstrating unwavering passion for the education of the girl child and their development in marriage and career.
Elder Chief Mrs. Oku served in the field of sports administration and was appointed Treasurer of the South Eastern States Sport Commission, a position she held until 1973 and was jointly with her husband awarded the chieftaincy title of “Ada Idaha Ke Efik Eburutu” by H.R.H Edidem Bassey Eyo Ephraim Adam III in recognition of their distinguished service to humanity and the community.
Condolence messages were received from palace of the Obong of Calabar, Office of the first lady of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, formal governor of Cross River State, distinguished Senator Princess Florence Ita – Giwa, Senator Bassey Ewa –Henshaw, Elder. Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, Chief Judge, Cross River State, His Excellency (Barr.) Efiok Cobham, former deputy governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Ejemut Esu, immediate past deputy governor of Cross River State, Chief Mrs. Winifred Oyo- Ita, formal head of Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme Chief Medical Director, UCTH, Hon. Dr. Effefiong Nta Eke, former Mayor of Calabar and DG, Cross River State Infrastructure Development Agency and His Royal Majesty Prof, Itam Hogan Itam Nyam Nnankor I, the paramount ruler of Calabar South Local Government Traditional Council and Son in law among others.
Fielding questions from newsmen, her son Chief Surveyor Eyo Oboko described the relationship they shared for almost 60 years with late Elder Chief Mrs. Ako Oboko Eyo Esien Oku, as cordial. She was a mother they cherished and a friend he and his siblings could count on anytime.
She is survived by many children, grand children, great grand children, in-laws, nieces/nephews and cousins to mourn her death.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Senior Reporter)
