GRACIOUS EXIT: Mfon Ekpa laid to rest.
Oru Leonard
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” The Bible 1 Thessalonians > Chapter 4 > Verse 13 (New International Version)
So it was at the Service of Songs and Funeral Service of Late Mfon-Obong Akpabio Ekpa, held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, First Abuja Parish, Wuse 2, were the immediate family, especially the parents and siblings of Mfon were evidently guided by the Grace of God to exhibit a high level of emotional restraint.
Tributes to late Mfon were read by family members, the church, friends and colleagues who highlighted his ingenuity, ICT prowess and active participation in God’s work.
In the concluding part of an emotional but poetic tribute, his mother, Ambassador Mrs Anthonia Ekpa stated, ” I wish I could stretch to show I still care my love. I wish I can touch those holy feet batized before your chariot came. Sonny, I stare in amazement at your god- like censored existence. You were different, never one to display our tetchy humanity’s trait. No wonder the King of Kings took you as His personal aid.”
Another tribute put together by the parents Barr & Amb Akpabio Ekpa stated, “Mfon, you had an anchor that kept your soul, steadfast and sure, while the billows rolled. You were fastened to the rock which could never move. You were grounded firm and deep in your Saviour’s love.
“Mfon, you have been taken home to your Father and Saviour. We are but caretakers. We could not have dared to keep you back. We will reunite by and by! Sleep well.”
Rev. Joseph Eton who said Mfon fought a good fight, read the sermon titled, “Mystery of Death and the Grace to Handle it”, He noted that death is a great reminder that we are all mortals and the world is a passing phase, adding that only the ignorant fear death but the righteous, sees it as a rest from work.
“It is unnecessary for anyone to grieve for the dead, for it is an excessive pain to the living, but the dead don’t feel it”, he said and made reference to 2 Timothy 4: 1-8.
“You must prepare for death by surrendering your life to the one who can handle death—Jesus Christ”. he preached.
Dignitaries present at the church service were, the Minister for Special Duties and inter- Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, Senator Victor Nduma Egba, Senator Ita Enang, , Hon. Nkoyo Toyo, Permanent Secretaries and a host of others.
Late Mfon-Obong Akpabio Ekpa died on Monday August 16, 2021, at of 35 years.
