•Late Madam MARGARET AKPABIO (Nee EFFIOM) In UYO
On Friday, 23rd September, 2022,the city of Uyo went agog as a classy burial was held to celebrate the life and times of Madam Margaret Akpabio, a mother and grandmother who passed away at 77.
The burial was far from a sorrowful one. It can be best described as a carnival. Every arrangement was perfectly coordinated to make the burial successful which classifies it as a top -notch. Starting from the entourage that went to pick Madam Margaret’s corpse from the morgue, down to Christian wake, vigil mass, the internment and reception party, there were series of talking points that illustrated the good life Madam Margaret lived.
Let’s also quickly tell you that the funeral rites thrown for Madam Margaret was the definition of Luxury, even in death. Should we mention the Rolls Royce that led the convoy that took Madam Margaret’s corpse from the morgue down to the venue of the lying-in state, or, the way the venue was full to the brim at the reception party? We have not even mentioned how the Catholic Women Association thrilled the guests. Should we also mention the stunts Madam Margaret’s children threw at the wake or how tears flowed at the gravesite?
Moreover, everyone was catered for at each stage of the event with more than enough to eat and drink
The event also clearly shows that when you have good children that can watch your back, you may as well go to bed after committing assignments into their care. This was the exact analysis of the roles played by Dr. Mrs. Doris Akpabio – Thomas,one of Madam Margaret’s daughters who lives in the US. City People’s Reporter Titilope Oshunlalu brings you all the behind the scenes, gist as well as beautiful pictures from the event. Below are excerpts, enjoy.
BIRTH & PARENTAGE
Madam Margaret Effiong Akpabio (Nee Effiom)was born on 25th May, 1945 into the royal family of late Chief Offiong Effiom Ekpai of Mbak Ikot Ebo in Mbal Etoi in Uyo Local Government of Akwa Ibom State. Her mother Madam Ako Effiom hail from Mbak Etoi in Uyo Local Government area of Akwa Ibom State. Mma teacher as she was fondly called was raised in the family that was driven by discipline, honesty, humility, integrity and hardwork. All the qualities of Mma played out in the character and disposition which she displayed towards all manners of people she came in contact with.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Margaret started her early education at Convent Primary School Mbak Etoi Uyo. She then proceeded to Teacher’s Training College, Ifuho, in Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State where she obtained her teacher’s Grade II Certificate, and thereafter proceeded to the National Teacher’s Institute (N.T.I) where she also obtained the National Certificate in Education (NCE).
CAREER
Margaret got her first teaching experience at Charles Walker International School. She later got her first appointment with Cross River State Government in Bishop King Primary School, Calabar and was later transferred to St. Mary’s Primary School Efut-Abua where she spent some years there and was transferred again to Army Primary School(2) Calabar, where she remained till 2004.In September, 2004 she transferred her services from the Cross River State Education Board to Akwa Ibom State. She taught in the following schools: St. Joseph Primary school, Afaha Oku, St. Peter RCM School, Iba/ Ndutong Oku and St. Michael school Effiat Offort Uyo where. Madam Magnet was a teacher part excellence, she retired in 2015.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Madam Margaret was born into a family with a very strong Catholic background. She was a devoted Christian in word and in deed, serving God with all her heart and substance. She was a committed member of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Charismatic Renewal, Precious Blood, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary society of the Church.
SOCIAL LIFE
Margaret was quite a socialist woman. She welcomed anyone and everyone who came her way and was ever ready to help those who needed her assistance. She was a good orator and a motivator. She was a teacher par excellence, all those who came in contact with her can testify that she was a very kind hearted, sociable and amiable person, very compassionate, always ready to help at her own expense.
FAMILY LIFE
Margaret was married to Sir. Effiong Ekere Akpabio (late), and the union was blessed with six children who are alive to celebrate her exit. She was a good mother not only to her children but to all who came in contact with her.
TRANSITION
Margaret had a minor accident at Uyo which later transited to complication due to her age, the struggle which she fought through for more than 3 years and finally bowed out.She is survived by Dr. Mrs. Doris Akpabio- Thomas -DaughterMr. Joseph Ubong Akpabio – sonMr. Michael Uwemedimo Akpabio – son Ms.Marilyn Udeme Akpabio – DaughterDominic Nsikak Akpabio – son Anthony Ekere Akpabio – son
GRAND CHILDREN
Esther Ubong Akpabio Joephil Micheal AkpabioMfoniso Micheal AkpabioDivyne Beston AkpanStephanie Dominique NsikakQueendolen Dominique NsikakMichelle Idaraesit Sherry Inemesit,Mfoniso Michael Akpabio, Emediong Michael Akpabio, Ememobong Michael Akpabio.
She was also survived by brothers, sisters, cousin, nieces and nephews in laws and a host of others to mourn her Departure.
CATHOLIC WOMEN ASSOCIATION’S ROLE
The Catholic Women Association (CWO) thrilled the guests with a march pass & a salute to their late member.(a sign of last respect to the dead)
Leaving Ikot Ndem Street on Friday morning was a very long entourage of more than 25 luxurious cars that headed to the morgue for Madam Margaret remains as preparation for the funeral rites began.The vehicles had Madam Margaret’s children and grandchildren, immediate family members and very close associates. There were security officials on duty who made sure that there was free flow traffic for all road users all through the journey.
OMC FUNERAL HOME WAS IN CHARGE
The trip landed at OMC FUNERAL HOME located in Uyo,Akwa – Ibom State. The undertakers were fully prepared and their performance left good memories on the minds of those in attendance. The outfit on the funeral was well designed like a force man,it was a Rolls Royce ambulance that conveyed her corpse with her image, beautifully engraved in it.It gave a clear description of the event but more importantly,it looked more like a carnival than a funeral.
MARGARET AKPABIO’S CHILDREN
Madam Margaret Akpabio died after living a very fulfilled life.Lets be the first to tell you that virtually all of Mama’s children live abroad.First among her children is Dr.Mrs Doris Akpabio – Thomas(Los Angeles California USA)Mr Joseph Ubong Akpabio, Mr Michael Umemedimo Akpabio (Cape Town South Africa) Miss Marilyn Udeme Akpabio,Mr Dominic Nsikak Akpabio,Mr Anthony Ekere Akpabio,Miss Divyne Beston Akpan.
VIGIL/MASS
AT HOLY ROSARY AUTONOMOUS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
At about 6pm on Thursday, 22nd September,2022,the Holy Rosary Autonomous Catholic Community had come alive with a blast of heavenly minded tunes welcoming guests one after the other as they gathered for the wake of the Late Madam Margaret Akpabio.
It was an all white affair and this gave the atmosphere some heavenly look as Madam Margaret remains was carried in by Catholic Women Association to the decorated banquet for the lying in state. Although it wasn’t a moment to grief but the thought of missing a beloved mother and grandmother moved some of the children to tears. The lying in state didn’t take much time but it was very emotional and memorable too .
GIVE IT TO DORIS AKPABIO- THOMAS
Many people played different roles at the event but some people were very outstanding, worthy of mentioning is Dr .Mrs. Doris Akpabio – Thomas who ensured that every part of the event went as planned.If any success is accrued to the event, Dr Mrs Doris Akpabio -Thomas will share a large portion of the accolades.She was virtually everywhere ,making sure that there were no hitches and in places where problems arose,she was spontaneously providing solutions to such problems.
WHITE WITH TOUCH OF PURPLE, COLOUR OF THE DAY
Everywhere was white with a tourch purple which took over the church and reception venue. But beyond that,the fashion statement made at the party was highly classy. Mrs Margaret’s children also stunned in white with a tourch of purple outfit at the party.
BRIEF BUT HIGHLY SPIRITUAL CHURCH SERVICE
Day 2 of the event started as Madam Margaret’s remains arrived at the church for the last time. The programme held at Holy Rosary Autonomous Catholic Community at 72,Itu road ,Ibiaku Itam,Uyo – Aks. The service wasn’t very prolonged like the usual burial services in other denominations but it was very effective and spiritual.
REVEREND FATHER
Augustine Idobo ,the parish priest of Holy Rosary Parish. In his message he revealed that there is nothing to fear about death because it is merely a means of transition to another phase of life. He rounded off his message with prayer session for the family and Madam Margaret’s children especially. Other ministers of God in attendance also joined the prayer session.
MADAM MARGARET FINALLY LAID TO REST
Fast forward to the family compound where Madam Magaret Akpabio’s remains was committed to the mother earth,it was no other than the family compound at No 3, Ikot Ndem Street off Calabar Itu Nighway near Urua -Ekpa junction Uyo-Akwa – Ibom State. Madam Magaret Akpabio was laid to rest amidst luxury and mixed emotions.As the children were celebrating a transition into glory, they were also very emotional. They will surely miss their beloved mother whom they all refer to as their pillar and backbone.Reverend Father Augustine Idobo Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Parish,Ibiaku Itam,Itu LGA,Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria,West Africa conducted the funeral service before everyone departed for the reception party.
A TRIBUTE TO A LOVING MUM
Mum, I am yet to come to terms with your passing, it is like a bad dream that has refuse to go away. You were a true picture of motherhood, you raised all your children in the way of the Lord, you taught us character, hardwork and respect for all. Your selfless service speaks volumes, you were a Mother in a million, you taught us values, and made sure we did the right thing in everything. You were a teacher par excellence, a disciplinarian, humility was your second name. You were humble to the core. You were a great inspiration, you shared your life so willingly with others. Though we miss you we know you are with Jesus and those who have gone on before, say hello to Daddy.
If roses grow in heaven, Lord pick a bunch for me, place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they her from me. Mum you have left for us a great legacy of righteousness, holiness and forthrightness. You were a notable Christian leader with a proven track record of walking with God, you were a leader to many. To mourn your death is not as important as celebrating your life which was full of service to God and humanity, you were known as a dutiful woman of God who gave her all to God. You inspired many into loving God and having a quality relationship with him.
We are very thankful to God for a life well lived, we shall meet to part no more. Mum you will be greatly missed, the vacuum you left behind can never be filled. Dear mother, rest on in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Your loving daughter,
Doris Ekaette.
Los Angeles, California,Usa
TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR MOTHER
Momsy as I usually call you, you have gone but not forgotten in our hearts, I will not forget your unique character. Ever cheerful and up beat you always see others before you see yourself.
Mum was a generous giver always willing to share the little she had with others. She never for one day considered whether she had in abundance or little, she will share the blouse off her back if she could help one person.
Mum showed love to her family and everyone who came her way. She opened her doors to many brothers, sisters, niece, nephews and grandchildren including my daughter.
Mum I wept when you were sick because I was not there to hear your last words and wipe your face from pain, I wept even more when you were gone because I was not there to say goodbye.
I now weep for joy because I know that at last you will no longer be submerged into sorrow again.
I celebrate because you will trimph into the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ where you will rest in peace.
You came into the world peacefully and humbly, you have fulfilled your mission on earth beautifully and you have left the world peacefully and all I have is thank you and rest in peace.
Adieu Momsy.
Joseph Ubong Akpabio
First son
