Remains of former Atlanta Airport Official, Sir Dominic Asuquo buried in Akwa Ibom

In a funeral/Thanksgiving Mass held at the Sacred Heart Parish, Aka Offot,  Catholic Diocese of Uyo, the Chief celebrant, Very Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Donatus Udoette, assisted by other priests described the deceased as a thorough – bred professional, whose contributions to human development as a teacher and administrator had impacted immensely the lives of many in his community, Church and in America.

He said, late Asuquo had a humble beginning and that his exemplary life also had great influences in the lives of his children who are making impact in their families and their various fields of endeavour.

The homilist, charged the faithful to emulate the deceased by doing their best to contribute to the general well-being of the people, the Church and the community they find themselves.

Sir Asuquo, had sojourned in Nigeria in several capacities before going to the United States to also work as a senior official of the Atlanta International Airport Authority till 2015.

He was a teacher of no mean repute. From 1960 to 1972, he had taught in several primary schools across the then Cross River State and rose to the position of a Headmaster before leaving for Morehouse College, Atlanta to obtain  a degree in Economics in 1975 and Masters of Public Administration (MPA) Public Policy at Atlanta University respectively.

Upon his return to Nigeria in 1979, he was appointed Inspector of Education, Ministry of Local Government, Cross River State, and later that year Sir Dominic Asuquo was also appointed the Assistant Registrar, Cross River State Polytechnic, Calabar.

In 1984, he became a Commissioner in the state’s Civil Service Commission, a position he held until the creation of Akwa Ibom in 1987 and upon this, he returned to the new State in 1988 to serve in the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua and retired as a Deputy Registrar in 1997.

Tributes and condolences that have poured in from the children, Church, friends and associates since his demise showed that the deceased was a committed Catholic gentleman and a member of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Sacred Heart Commandery No. 461, Calabar in 1988.

Sir Asuquo served Commandery N461 as a chartered treasurer and subsequently transferred to Christ the King Commandery No. 450, Uyo and also served in many capacities before his relocation to the USA.

Funeral oration by the President, Knights of St. John International, Uyo Grand Commandery, Brig – General (Sir) Samuel Umohandikan extolled the departed brother as a fine gentleman, whose commitment to serve God was unparalleled.

He advised the children to live by the good example of their late father and prayed to God to accept his soul.

A condolence signed by the Rev. Fr. Kevin Hargaden of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Tyrone, Georgia consoled the family and prayed to God to bless the soul of the departed and strengthen the bereaved family.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong also condoled the family saying, late Sir Dominic Asuquo lived a fulfilled life as shown in the fruits he bore.

The Eldest Son, Kenneth Asuquo, on behalf of the bereaved family, thanked God for the life of his late father and appreciated individuals and organizations for their prayers and support throughout the period of grief.

Other condolences were presented by Uyo Local Government, Knights of St. John International, St. Mulumba, Columbus’, Tyrone, USA, Fayettiville, USA, Catholic Pastoral Council, Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, Offot Ukwa Association, USA, Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, Atlanta Chapter, Ekpuk Ikot Udo Akpan, Aka Offot, Uyo, and Crystal Foundation International, USA among others.