I wish to say a big thank you to everyone who came to my Elder Brother’s Burial Ceremony. I sincerely appreciate your kindness towards our family in the moment of grief. I want to appreciate the Obol Goddy Jedy-Agba (OFR) who incidentally was appointed a Patron of the Obol Lopon of Ugep, and a member of the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, I must say that I am indeed very lucky to have him as a friend. I want thankful to Senator Distinguish Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) for all the goodwill and support throughout this trying time. I want to specially say thank you to Prince Hilliard Eta, Vice Chairman, APC (South-South). Mr John Ochala, APC Acting Chairman, CRS, thanks a lot.
I am grateful to the VC of the University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu, Vice Chancellor of Crutech, Prof Owan, Prof Noelle, Prof Inocent Asor, Prof Joe Asor, Dr Ahmed Saleh, Dr Peter Oti, Rt Hon Paul Adah, former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Nnana Arikpo, Barr Joe Odey, Barr Ntem Ikpi, Engr Patrick Ufe, Captain Eno Utum Inah, Esther Ayombi & Husband, Prince Tony Momoh, Mr Sam Egbara, Mr Joe Imoh Odey, Dr Alex Egbona, Dr Sandy Onor, and Mr Eno Ekapong Ofem, Chief Judge of Cross River State, Honourable Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam, Chief Ogban Ebock, Mr Frank Akaba, Ambassador Akpang Obi Odu, and Comrade Ramsey Ndep
I cannot forget to thank Chief Patrick Okomiso, (Obol Ekpe 1 of Nko), Chief Eno Nduli Ofem, Hon Cletus Onun, Mr Princewill Odidi, Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, Chief Obeten Okorn, former Member, House of Representatives, Hon Ben Inah, Barr Efa Otu, Mr Arikpo Etta, (Popo), all staff of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, Mrs Maggie Obuli, Mrs Blessing Inah, Barrister Eric Ifere, Samuel Eno, Miss Justine Obono Eteng, Mrs Nneoyi, Barr Mark Enamhe, Barr Richard Ogbeche, Barr Joe Aloko, Mr Clement Inyambe, Mr Paukey Odey, and Mr Emmanuel Aben.
I must also remember to say thank you to Barr Utum Eteng, DIG Usman Gwary (Rtd), Mr Mathias Okoi Uyo-Uyo, Hon Ikedi Ezekwesiri and all members of the Abia State House Of Assembly, and Mr K-Jay Agba, Director General, New City Development Commission, Cross River State; HON. Cletus Obun;Chief Godwin Takus; Elder Okoi Obeten; Pastor Ben Arikpo;Senator Ita Enang ; Prof Sarah Nick Oden; Staff of Federal Government Girls College Langtang, Plateau State; The National Executive of Science Teacher’s Association (STAN), General Jonathan India Garba, my sister in law, Mrs Kodeye Metola; Mr and Mrs Enor Ikpi and all others too numerous to mention.
I want to also say a big thank you to Agba Jalingo for his understanding after cancelling my engagement on his program. I want to thank my Facebook Friends who came from far and wide, Barr Joseph Odok, Mr Eno Beké Ikwen, Mr Ogon Bonaventure Ojar, Mr Iwara Usani,Prof. Austine Angba; Miss Jennifer Asuquo, Pius Enyong, Miss Endora Williams, Mr Kalita Joe Aruku, and all other people whom I cannot remember right now. I say thank you so much for all your care, your prayers, and your supports.
As you all return back to your various destinations, I bless God for seeing that your journeys will be without any hitch. I pray that God will provide for you double whatever you’ve sacrificed to come and spend this moment with me. You will see company when you need it most. Thank you so much and God bless you all.
On behalf of Chief Okoi Obono-obla and family, may God grant you journey mercies.
Ifere Paul