Nigerians Pay tributes to Fmr Nigeria’s Health Minister, Dr. Emmanuel Nsan
Anthony Ekpo BASSEY
A torrent of tributes and tears flowed massively at the Night of Tributes held yesterday at the Cocoran Hall of St. Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa, Calabar in honour and memory of Nigeria's former Minister of Works and Housing, later Health, High Chief Dr. Emmanuel Nsan (OFR).
Declaring the event opened, the Chairman, Sir. Frank Edet, remarked that the late High Chief Dr. Emmanuel Nsan meant different things to different people. He described him as an excellent personality who excelled in all his endeavours. The Chairman recalled that the late High Chief Dr. Emmanuel Nyong Nsan was an exceptionally brilliant student in his days at the St. Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa. According to him, Nsan also excelled in sporting activities including football and boxing.
While expressing sadness over his demise, Sir. Frank Edet noted that Dr. Emmanuel Nsan did a lot for his people in his capacity as a physician, public servant and a community leader.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Cross River State chapter, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, referred to late Dr. Emmanuel Nsan as a reference point in the medical profession and a role model to younger physicians in the state in particular and the nation at large. Also, the Chief Medical Director of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, recalled the legacies the late Dr. Emmanuel Nsan bequeathed in the health sector, which according to him were still enduring and impactful. In the same vein, the Director of Health Services, Medical Centre, University of Calabar, expressed gratitude to the late physician for the medical services he offered freely whenever he was called upon to do so.
Also, a captain of industry and elder statesman, Etinnyin Dr. Asuquo Ekpenyong, remembered Dr. Emmanuel Nsan as an exceptional leader who had the wisdom, capacity and charismatic qualities to lead his people. Another elder statesman, Chief. Gershom Henshaw, said that the late cultural icon, High Chief Dr. Emmanuel Nsan, will for long be remembered for his wisdom, humility, kind disposition and selfless services to his people.
Lamenting over the huge vacuum the deceased has left behind in the family in particular, and the society, at large, the family head, His Highness, Chief. Asuquo Nsan, said that the loss was irreplaceable. “It will be difficult to fill the vacuum, his demise has created. We pray God bless his soul.”
There were tributes by other notable figures and a rendition from the St. Patrick College students choir in honour of a respected Old boy, late. High Chief. Dr. Emmanuel Nyong Nsan, who was the school prefect at the time.
Born July 14th 1947, High. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Nyong Nsan (OFR), a former Minister of Works and Housing and later Health, died December 12th 2024. His mortal remains will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 8th 2025, at Ifondo Village, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, after a funeral Mass by 2pm at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Calabar.
