This is the story of a man who was born on a Monday, called Monday and died on a Monday. He came, he saw, and he certainly conquered the world. No wonder the crème de la crème of the society converged at Afaha Ikot Akpan Mkpe in Onna Local Government Area to pay their last respect to him when he was laid to final rest on Friday 7th of February, 2014.
The burial ceremony of the Late Prof. Monday Benson Abasiattai was conducted at the grounds of Bright Star Nursery and Primary School, by Qua Iboe Church Nigeria. The place was filled to capacity with people from different organizations present to honour one of their own.
Testimonies on the life and times of the Late Fellow of Historical Society of Nigeria were given by different groups beginning from the family to the church. The family described his death as heartbreaking but found consolation in the fact that he lived and impacted the family in many positive ways. The village representative however called on other educated people not to abandon their people at home but to go home and help the poor as the Late Elder of Qua Iboe Church, Prof. Abasiattai, used to do.
Giving a short exhortation on the topic “God’s Feeling Concerning Death”, Rev. E. S. Akpan who drew his message from the texts earlier read, Psalm 116:15, and Ezekiel 33:11; said that the feeling of God concerning the death of a person depends on the spiritual state of that person when he/she died.
According to him, if the wicked man/woman dies, God is very angry because the scripture says that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. But on the other hand, God is happy and rejoices when the righteous dies and that is when God would say “welcome my faithful servant, come into my rest”. He therefore called on those present at the funeral to reassess their lives and mend their ways because “whether you go to church or not, if your heart and life does not please God, you will die and go to hell”, he said.
The remains of the Late Professor of History, Elder (Prof.) Monday Benson Abasiattai were later interred at his family compound in Afaha Ikot Akpan Mkpe in Onna Local Government.
Dignitaries who graced the event to pay their last respect to the departed Colossus of learning and knowledge included: the deceased’s wife, Madam Affiong Abasiattai, a former Commissioner of Education in the State and the founder of Bright Stars Model Academy; his children, Emem, Aniekan, Ekaete-Alice, Ini and Mfon. Others were Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort Ekpo; Vice Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Sunday Peters, Prof. Okon Ansa, Prof. Des Wilson, Prof. Edward Attah, Prof. Trenched Ibia; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. EmemAbasi Bassey, Senator Eme Ekaete; Chairman Onna L.G.A, Mr. Ufot Sunday Akpan; Chairman, Esit Eket L.G.A, Deacon Ibanga Etang; Secretary, Onna L.G.A, Otuekong Nse Essien; Ntisong Ibibio III, HRH Ntisong Essien Ekidem; Clan Head of Awa in Onna LGA, Obong Asuquo Etokeye and others too numerous to mention.
The Biography of the deceased reveals that he was a husband of one wife, father of five children, grandfather of many, teacher of some, lecturer of hundreds, mentor to thousands, a devout Christian, a philanthropist, a friend to all, an enemy to none known, and foe to none. He dedicated his life to the services of humanity. He belonged to many organizations (political, religious, socio-cultural and academic). He bagged many awards and touched many lives. He really came, saw, and conquered. He will be missed by all.
No comments:
Post a Comment