Otu, Uzodimma, Ibas, Eteng Eulogise Late Prof. Oden Ibiang Ewa, Describes Him As Truthful, Peaceful Patriot
By Hannah ARIKPO in UGEP
The Cross River state Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, his Imo state counterpart, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and the Sole Administrator, Rivers State, Vice Admiral, lbok-Ette Ekwe Ibas, and Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams and other dignitaries within and outside the state were at the funeral service of late Pa Ibiang Oden Ewa to pay glowing tribute to the departed erudite professor.
At the funeral service held at his country home Okpakolo farm road Ugep, Yakurr local government area, the described late Prof. Ewa as an exceptional scholarship, mentor and a good patriot whose legacies should be emulated.
Speaking at the funeral, Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu noted that late Professor Ewa's remarkable exceptional scholarship, mentorship and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth, justice and peace.
"It is not how well one lived but the impact one lives behind.Therefore, we must imbibe the positive attributes of Prof. Ibiang Oden Ewa,"
"He was a distinguished academic and renowned Scholar in the field of History and International Studies. His death is a big lost to the academic community and the state at large," Otu laments.
The Imo state Gov, Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented by Chief Eze Okoro, noted that the deceased legacies, his contributions in the academic community and nation building are outstanding for all of us to see, pointing out that Cross River state has lost a rare gem.
The people of Imo state mourn with you and honour a life defined by purpose, impact and excellence," Uzodimma consoled.
On his part, the Rivers state Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, whose Condolence message was read by his wife, Mrs Theresa Ibas, described late Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa as a man of enviable intellect and a beacon of wisdom whose scholarly contributions left an indelible mark on the academia and national landscape.
"As a teacher, mentor and public intellect, he inspired generations of Scholars and leaders," he remarked.
Also speaking, Sen. Eteng Johna Williams, representing Cross River state central senatorial district, described late Ew aas a bridge builder and a noble stakeholder, who played a significant role in uniting the Yakurr nation.
He said Late Prof. Ewa was a father to all and prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss, advising the family members to imbibe the legacies and peaceful nature of their father.
Eteng further advise the So, Mr Oden Ewa to always unite the family and also do those things that would unit the nation nation.
Representing, the Cross River College of Commissioners, Commissioner of Health, Elder, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, observed that the deceased was a great man among his colleagues and family members, adding that his much-needed close affinity to the family is missed and prayed God to grant the bereaved family the courage and fortitude to bear his painful exit.
In his homily, titled "The hour has come" the Parish Priest incharge of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Ugep, Most Rev. Father Bob Etta, reminded mankind of the reality of Death, judgement day and Hell, stressing the need for one to willingly accept the salvation that Jesus Christ offers as the only ticket to make Heaven.
A attribute by the first Son of the deceased, and state Commissioner of Special Duties & Inter- Governmental Relations Hon. Oden Ewa, disclosed that his late father's disciplinary attributes influenced his success in life today.
"My Dad don't need to shout to be heard, his life was sermon-measured, noble, deeply rooted in truth and integrity.
"Though the ache of his absence overwhelms, I rise with his values as a compass with his memory as my flame," Oden vowed.
Late Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa is survived by one wife, Mrs Patricia Ewa, beautiful children and grandchildren.
Dignataries from across all walks of life including members of the NASS, Sen. Sandy Onor, members of the House of Assembly, political appointees, local government chairmen, party chieftains, business community, traditional leaders, youths and women groups.
