More than two weeks ago, we celebrated the life of Idongesit Akwa Ibom, a man dear to our hearts. The First indigenous military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Air Commodore Otuekong Idongesit Okon Nkanga OFR (rtd.). Though we were not ready to say goodbye, we saw God’s timing in it all. To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heavens; a time to born and time to die (Ecclesiates 3:1-2). We thank the Lord for the 68 years of life well spent.
To our first family, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and his dear wife, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, who stood by us in all ramifications till the end to give our iconic leader a befitting transition, may God honour you.
I am thankful to the Qua Iboe Church (founded in 1887) in general, and all the pastors and spiritual fathers as well as the entire body of Christ for your spiritual guidance and prayers during this period.
Special thanks to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who identified with us. May God bless you sir.
We are grateful to the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey and members of the State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, His Lordship Justice Godwin Abraham, Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien and indeed the entire Government of Akwa Ibom State for their support and encouragement to make these obsequies a success.
To the Nigerian Air Force, the Ministry of Defence, Chief of Air Staff, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff and all other Heads of security organisations for their encouragement and support, we say thank you.
A big thank you to these eminent Nigerians who paved their respective activities to honour us; His/Her Excellency Akinwunmi Ambode, Sen. Bassey Albert, Sen. Anietie Okon, Sen. Helen U. Esuene, Sen. Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Sen. Ita Solomon Enang, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, Sen./Mrs Effiong Bob, Rt. Hon./Mrs. Nduese Essien, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Chief (Dr.) Edwin K. Clark, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Akparawa (Hon.) Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, Mr. Akanimo Udofia, High Chief Raymond Dopesi, Mrs Abake Akisanya, Sir Etekamba Umoren and Mr. Umanah Okon Umanah.
Special thanks goes to these groups and organisations; Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Divine Mandate Family, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All People Congress (APC), South South Peoples Assembly, Headquarters 305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian Air Force, Calabar, Cross River State. Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, Ifim Ibom Ibiblo, PANDEF Akwa Ibom State and Bayelsa State Chapters, Friends of Mosun, Akwa Ibom State Female Youths Association, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Ibom Patriots, GTMC GmbH Limited- Airport Safety Solutions, Ibom Air Limited, Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, Association of Local Government of Nigeria- Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Niger Delta Development Commission, Akwa Ibom State College of Education Afaha Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Council, Nsit Ibom Legislative Council, Etinan Institute Old Students Association (ETINOSA), Qua Iboe Church Ewet Offot, College of Personal Aides to Governor (COPA), Eket Senatorial District Elders Forum, PDP Nsit Ibom Chapter, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) AKS, Bureau of Political and Social-Reorientation AKS, Asang Nsit Development Association (ANADA), Mbiaso Unity Forum, Nsit Ibom Stakeholders, late Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok’s Family, Late Dianabasi Umondak’s Family, Uyo Senatorial District Women, Retired Major Generals Association-AKS, Nsit Ibom Indigenous Minister, Ikot Nya Ministers Forum, RCCG Glory Tabernacle Family, Lagos State Liason Office, RCCG MOG Uyo, Ecwa Church Abuja, University of Uyo Management Staff, National Association of Nsit Ibom Students (NANIS) Worldwide, Nsit Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)-AKS, Association of Forum of Commissioners (1990-1992), Ikot Nya Indigenes in Diaspora, Sipeade family and numerous In-laws, Champion Breweries PLC-Uyo, Presbyterian Church Uyo, Old Students Association, COE Afaha Nsit, Nice Polytechnic Afaha Offiong, Forum of Past LG Chairmen -Nsit Ibom LGA, Afaha Nsit Women Association, Destiny Minders Foundation- Nsit Ibom LGA, Nsit Ibom Women Stakeholders, Wilcox Memorial Grammar School Aba Old Boys Association, Ex Lasuite (NESA), Place Gbagada, Amalgamated News Paper Publishers-AKS Chapter, Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC), Nsit Ibom Youth Council, members of the State Planning Committee, Friends and Associates of Idongesit Akwa Ibom too numerous to mention.
Thank you for thinking of our family during this period of grief.
Thank you so much for the prayers, condolences and support. We truly appreciate your warm words of comfort.
The funeral of our hero has come and gone. To God Only be all the glory.
Deaconesss Funmi Idongesit-Nkanga
Monday February 22, 2021