December 7, 2024, the raffia city of Ikot Ekpene stood still as the remains of Mrs. Edna Udo Akpan Essien Ebom JP, the matriarch of the Eboms, was laid to rest in her husband’s compound, at 67 Abak road, Ikot Ekpene L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State in a state-like burial.
This was preceded by a brief but solemn lying in state in her husband’s compound and a colourful long procession of convoy of cars, decked with her pictures, through Abak road to plaza back to the funeral ground at State College, Ikot Ekpene.
It was a record setting funeral many will not forget in a hurry, reminiscent of that of her husband, Ambassador Udo Akpan Essien Ebom who transited to the Lord seven years ago where a stallion horse pulled the cart that carried his casket through same route. This time around, it was a spinning white casket on a cart pulled by a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon as the procession led by the OMC morticians’ brass band and the pallbearers went through the ever busy Abak road, causing sympathizers and onlookers to line both sides of the road watching in great awe. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Indeed it was the celebration of life for Edna, popularly referred to as Mma Ebom by many.
If life could be bought, the Eboms would have bought one for their mother. While alive, they gave her the best treat one could ever imagine. In her last days, they gave her the best medical attention and in death, she was honoured. Her rites of passage was magnificent.
High point of it all was the sermon by the Assistant Presiding Elder of the Faith Tabernacle Congregational Church, Pastor Johnson Okoro.
He preached on the topic: “A Call to Repentance” drawn from Ephesians 4:28 emphasising on the need for people to be good to one another and do away with sins like alcoholism, adultery, fornication, stealing, covetousness, lies and others.
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer but must do something useful with his own hands that he may have something to share with those in need“, he said.
Pastor Okoro who also harped on how one would be remembered after death, extolled the virtues of Edna as a hard working and generous woman who always helped those in need saying, “Mrs Ebom was noted as a generous woman who was concerned with other people’s welfare at the expense of her comfort”.
He appealed to people to impact positively on the lives of others and reminded the congregation to be committed in whatever good thing they are doing, for God the rewarder of every good deed, cannot fail.
The former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, in his condolence message to the family, said, “Though she died at a relatively full age of 82 years, the death of a parent at whatever age is sad and confounding especially for a loving mother because by her demise you have lost not only her wisdom, love and warmth but also the assurance of her presence. It Is certainly no less so for you, your siblings, the larger and kindred families.
“Hers was a rich and full life. Rather than mourn her death celebrate her eventful life knowing that she has earned eternal life after a life of love service and sacrifice to family, community, humanity and the Almighty”.
Her first son, Ambassador David Ebom (Ette Idung – as she fondly called him) paid glowing tribute to his mother.
His words: “My dearest mother, you died at this point and left a small boy like me all alone on this Earth to fend for himself without your love. What am I gonna do? I miss you dearly. Your absence leaves a hole in my heart. I am hurt because our time was cut too short. You were my safe harbor in every storm You were my rock and my strength, Now that you’re gone, I feel lost without your guiding light to lead me home. I wish I could have one more day with you to express my love and tell you how grateful I am for all that you have done for me. I wish I could hold your hand one more time, see your smile, hear your voice. It would touch my heart when I would tell you ‘I love you‘ and you’d say ‘I love you too’.
“How I wish we could sit and talk like we used to do. Thank you so much for teaching me strength, compassion and what it means to be a man. Mommy, there is something I want to share with you. I vividly remember the story daddy told me about when I swallowed a coin on your bed. Normally, a mother would be worried about her six month old child swallowing a coin. The narrative that you presented in which you did all you could to make sure I was okay breaks my heart. It exudes the love that only a mother can have for their child It was touching to my soul and this is what drew me closer to you.
“I reflect on my life when you were around Your outpour of love into my life was truly abundant. In primary school, you purchased my first bike ever. During high school you’d always give me the keys to your car so I could drive to school. You would always make sure I had money to keep the gas tank full. My Teachers would exclaim in surprise that I was so young to have a car. They did not know it was due to the deep affection you had for me. You would always teach me how to dress when I was younger. You were also my stylist, mommy. You always spoiled me with clothes, shoes, and suits. Before we’d go out,you’d give me pointers on what was appropriate to wear and what was not. You would always remind me to dress like a rich.
“Mommy, you taught me a whole lot. I started donating to the widows because you would always give to the widows. You taught me from a young age on the importance of organization. Because of the way you valued cleanliness, I learned how to do the same. I picked up from where you left off. The most heartwarming memory I have was when I was about to leave for America in 1999. You called me inside the house and gave me a lot of money, but I could not take it. I wept and questioned why you would give a lump sum money to a grown man? I could not bring myself to accept it but in that moment, I could sense the tenderness you had for me. These memories forever live In my thoughts.
“Mommy, you were the heart of our family, you were the glue who held us altogether. I don’t know how we will manage without your love and guidance now that you are not here with us no more. One thing I do know is that you will live in our hearts forever.
“You were the best mom that anyone could ask for! Thank you for always believing in me. Your unconditional love and sacrifice set the foundation for the family I have today. Because of this, I will be forever grateful for the values you instilled in me. In everything that I do and have done, I strive to make you proud. When I reminisce on your selfless acts of kindness, I realize how much your love impacted us. We are so blessed to have you as our mother. Your kindness and compassion knew no bounds. I can only hope to be half of what you were, Mother. My heart will be with you forever”.
Mma Ebom was interred besides her husband in a beautiful mausoleum built seven years ago.
Who was Mrs. Edna Udo Akpan Essien Ebom?
Mrs. Edna Udo Akpan Essien Ebom was born on the 15th of March 1942 into the family of late Okereke Onoh Udo and Mrs Grace Okereke Onoh both of Amasu, Arochukwu L.G.A, Abia State. She was dedicated by her parents in Faith Tabernacle Congregation church in Arochukwu District. Edna was the first child out of seven children, one male and six females.
Late brother Udo Akpan Essien Ebom and sister Edna Okereke Onoh, both being members of Faith Tabernacle Congregation, Ikot Ekpene regularly met during church services and grew together in the church. In 1957, they got married in the Ikot Ekpene church and were blessed with 12 children, of which eight are alive today, five males and three females. God gave Edna and her husband the grace and wherewithal to provide their children with more than the basic needs of life, even during the civil war and were all brought up in the fear of God. Today, all her children have attained post-secondary education. Through her children, Edna was blessed with twenty-four (24) grandchildren and Seven (7) great grand-children. Some of her grandchildren are married in Nigeria, USA and Canada.
Mma Ebom, fondly called “Igwo-nne” by her husband amidst many other fond names, was a very sociable woman, dependable and straightforward in life. In her active years, she was a good mixer and did not discriminate against anyone and groups but accommodated everyone who came across her path in life.
She was a peace-loving woman. Her role as a peace maker, a family builder, cheerful giver earned her the respect in the community and the admiration of all people.
In 2003, our sweet mother and our darling father visited their first son, David and family in Chicago and their first daughter, Helyn and her family in New Orleans, all in the United States of America. They stayed for 6 months enjoying the company of their children and grandchildren.
In 2012, she spent the whole year with her first son and her family in Chicago and was later joined by her late husband and both returned to Nigeria at the year end.
She participated in many recreational and tourist activities during both trips that caused her to return refreshed and relaxed.
Though she was ill for some time, she never allowed this to weigh her down. She struggled to attend church services until she no longer could. She was always in high spirit despite her health challenges.
In the morning of July 2nd, 2024, she passed on to be with the Lord. We will miss her and her unique ways of relating with each of us individually. Mummy, Rest in peace till we meet again.
