By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
All roads lead to Ikot Oboroenyin, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere’s father, late Sir Gabriel Sampson Ekere would be laid to rest Saturday.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the Methodist Church, friends and associates in mourning the departed school teacher, who dedicated five decades of his life in teaching, coaching and mentoring, and serving the country and his community as sports administrator, public servant and Church leader.
In a condolence letter to the former NDDC boss signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari believes the late patriarch Ekere lived for the right values and diligently imparted the truth and wisdom of the Bible in his children, students, and spiritual mentees and courageously impacted many lives with love, warmth and kindness.
As Sir Ekere, a Knight of the Methodist Church, Nigeria who died at the age of 90 years would be laid to rest this weekend at his country home, Ikot Oboroenyin, Mr. President prayed the Almighty God to grant his soul a peaceful rest, and comfort the family.
Others who also commiserated with the family are the Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Aniekan Bassey.
Senator Akpabio, while eulogizing late Ekere as a renowned teacher and community leader, noted that, the deceased was a good Christian with unwavering faith in God.
He said what stood him out in life, was his strategic disposition in the training of his children and many others who today, have contributed immensely to the development of the larger society.
The Minister also described the death of Sir Ekere as a transition to eternal immortality.
Hon. Aniekan Bassey, who also expressed his condolences said that, as a distinguished public servant and administrator, the late patriarch invested his energy, love and resources to his passion, the Methodist Church, education of the youths, prosperity and the wellbeing of mankind.
He charged the family to be consoled by the indelible footprints and positive legacies left behind by his father, late Sir Gabriel Sampson Ekere at his exit at the age of 90 years.
