The Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State has been thrown into mourning following the passage of the village head, Eteidung Linus Etim Essien. He was aged 76.
Breaking the news of the transition of their monarch, the Ekpri Nsukara Village Council in conjunction with the deceased’s immediate family, said the Late Linus Etim Essien, who was born in 1946, joined his ancestors on July 29, 2022 after a brief illness.
The press release on the transition of the royal father was signed by Chairman of the village council, Comrade Morris S. Bassey; Chief Mourner, Prince Uduak Etim Essien; Secretary of the village council, Elder Domingo Bassey Etim, and President, Ekpri Nsukara Offot Youth Council, Hon. Otuekong Emem Asikpo, who doubles as the chairman of the contact and mobilization of the funeral Planning Committee.
According to the statement, the funeral obsequies will commence on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the Palace of the late village head, 94 Ekpri Nsukara Road, off Nwaniba Road, Uyo, by 3:00pm.
It stated further that visitations by groups, families, government officials and royal fathers have been fixed for Tuesday, December 20, 2022 and Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the deceased compound between the hours of 10am to 6pm during both days.
The Night of songs will hold on Thursday, December 22, 2022 by 6:00pm at 94 Ekpri Nsukara Road, Uyo, followed by Lying-in-State on Friday, December 23, 2022 by 8.00am at same venue.
The press release added that the funeral service is to be conducted by The Apostolic Church, Ekpri Nsukara on Friday, December 23, 2022 at the Ekpri Nsukara International Schools, Enisco Avenue, off Ekpri Nsukara Road, Uyo, by 10.00 am.
It urged those who wish to submit tributes and condolence messages for inclusion in the funeral programme to do so through the email address: [email protected] or to dropped it at the Palace, 94 Ekpri Nsukara Road, Uyo, not later than Friday, December 09, 2022.
The release added, “Born in 1946, Eteidung Linus Etim Essien joined his ancestors after a brief illness on July 29, 2022 at the age of 76. He was the Chairman of the Village Council between 1994 -1998 and was thereafter selected and installed as the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in 2002 and he reigned for 20 years.
“The Late Eteidung Linus Etim Essien had worked in several government establishments including United Bank for Africa (UBA), Akwa Ibom State Water Cooperation, Qua River Hotel, Eket and Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP).
“His reign greatly transformed Ekpri Nsukara Offot – bringing peace, unity, tranquillity and development to the community. He was a father to all, including residents and non indigenes alike in the Village and beyond. A devout Christian, the Late Eteidung Linus Etim Essien was a member of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, until his demise.”
