By Kelvin Obambon
Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Cross River State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and his relatives, have bade farewell to their niece, late Miss Ako Etim Esien Ekpe, who passed away on the 5th of November, 2023 after a protracted illness.
Speaking during the funeral service for the deceased in Calabar Saturday, Duke lamented that Ako died of breast cancer, having battled the illness for about three years which she finally succumbed.
According to the NDDC top shot, “Ako was diagnosed of cancer, but for three years they didn’t pursue treatment diligently. When I was informed three years after, we went to Asi Ukpo and spent close to N2million. But the thing had spread from her two breasts to the stomach.
“Cancer can only be effectively manage at the first two stages, but once it gets to the third stage there’s no way, except miracle from God. Even with the limited modern facilities we have in Nigeria, you can only detect cancer when it gets to the third stage. That’s why most of the people end up dying. It is that bad.”
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He expressed sadness over the demise of young Ako who was in her prime, adding that “we did everything we could. I moved her to Teaching Hospital and she was in oxygen everyday till she died.”
Meanwhile, a biography of the deceased read by one of the siblings indicates that the late Ako Etim Ekpe was born into the family of Etim Esien Ekpe of Ubon Obong Simon Esien Ekpe of Eseku Abarisong, Odukpani Local Government Area on the 5th November, 1991.
She attended Henshaw Town Primary School Calabar, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate in 2006, and Henshaw Town Secondary School, Calabar, for the Senior Secondary School Certificate in 2013.
The deceased worked at the Cradle Bay Nursery and Primary School, Calabar, until her death. She was described as very humble and personable – attributes she is remembered for.
The Ako was finally laid to rest at the Hawkins cemetery, Calabar.