Udom extols Late Akpan Thomas

BY KENNETH JUDE
 
It was a harvest of praises for the Late (Obong) Sir Akpan Thomas Beka at the funeral Mass in his honour held at St. Anne’s Catholic Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene local government area at the weekend.

  In his remare, the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel described the Late Obong Beka as a selfless patriot who invested in the education of his children in order to make them useful citizens and dependable members of their community. The Governor lauded the late sage for his astute and deligent commitment to duties during his years as a public officer, where he left lasting imprints in the various divisions he served as sole administrator.  

The State Chief Executive whose message was delivered by the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan, urged the family and those present to emulate the humane and passionate disposition of the Late Sir A.T. Beka, saying, by so doing, they would be engraving his memory in their hearts for years.

The Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene, Most Reverend (Dr) Camilus Umoh spoke of Obong Beka as a great adviser, counsellor, simple and contented man. Bishop Umoh said Sir. Beka was always satisfied with his due, never, ever cheating on others to amass illegal wealth for himself and his generation.

The Local Ordinary of the Diocese, who was the Chief Celebrant at the funeral Mass, appealed to public officers to take a cue from the life of the late patron of the church so that they may be at peace with their Creator and mankind.

Also speaking, former bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, now serving as the Bishop of Port Harcourt Catholic Diocese, Most (Rev) Dr. Camilus Etukudoh, said Sir. Beka was a dependable pillar of Ikot Ekpene Diocese where he served in various capacities since its creation in 1963. Describing him as a peace advocate, consummate administrator with a benevolent spirit, Bishop Etukudoh noted that for the landmark achievements Sir. Beka recorded during his years as Laity President and Patron of the Diocese, it may be difficult for the Diocese to have a befitting replacement. He, however, called on the church and the family to always uphold the lifelong virtues of chastity, selflessness, justice and fairness to all which the Late Sir Beka stood for.  

In his tribute to the former Laity President, the incumbent President of Laity Council Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Justice Pius Idiong said the Council will miss the wise counsel, guidance, inputs and support of late Sir A.T. Beka. He however promised to continue to build on the solid foundation laid by the departed Patron of the Diocese.

  Delivering his homily at the service, Fr. Johnbosco Ekanem reminded Christians of the essence of living a life pleasing to God so that they can partake of eternal life in the hereafter. Reading from John’s Gospel 6 verse 51-58, the clergy man noted that Jesus Christ is the living bread sent from Heaven, and whoever eats of the bread will live forever.

  Father Johnbosco told the gathering that the late Sir. A.T. Beka lived his life for Christ and humanity and upon his transition, the angels were already waiting to lead him in their wings to his Creator. He charged faithful of the Lord to resist evil and hatred for one another but rather preach the Gospel of repentance, love of neighbour and mankind.

The funeral Mass which featured prayers for the Church, Nigeria, the bereaved family and for travelling mercies for all guests was spiced with Choral renditions from the Deanery Choir, Abak and also had a full complement of Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba who rendered their anthem in honour of the late their late member, Sir A.T. Beka.

  Condolence messages and tributes were received from the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Port Harcourt, Calabar Archdiocese, Knight of St. Mulumba, the Universities of Port Harcourt, Calabar and Uyo, currenters Nigeria Limited, Inter-Environments Limited, Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom Community, Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom Liaison Office, Lagos, Child and Youth Foundation, King’s Kids-International Schools, Commander and Engr. Idongesit Etim Udoessien, among numerous others.

The remains of the Late (Obong) Sir A.T. Beka were later interred at his hometown, Ukanafun Ikot Ekpat in Ukanafun Local Government Area amidst fanfare.

Meanwhile, the family has expressed their appreciation to all guests, friends and well-wishers who stood by them during the obsequies of their father. They expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, Martha, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Barrister Onofiok Luke, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan, Dean and members of the College of Permanent Secretaries and other distinguished guests that attended the funeral.