
South South Deputy Govs pay condolence visit to Akwa Ibom counterpart over daughter’s demise
By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, joined her counterparts from the South-South zone in commiserating with the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, over the tragic loss of her daughter, Mrs. Blessing Eyakenyi Adewumi.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation at the Government House in Uyo on Monday, 3rd February, 2025, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed their deep sorrow. He noted that the grief over this death extended far beyond Akwa Ibom and the South-South zone, reaching an international scale.
“This is one death whose emotional tremor has gone beyond the whole of Akwa Ibom, beyond the South-South Zone, and has gone international,” Senator Ewhrudjakpo remarked. “Her wedding was something all of us attended, as you just reminded me. It is challenging to come to terms with the reality that she has transitioned into eternal glory, especially since we witnessed her wedding only a few months ago.”
The Bayelsa Deputy Governor added that death is the only visitor who arrives without warning, leaving a lasting bitterness. He urged the grieving family to take solace in the fact that, although their tears may blur their vision, they must find strength to rebuild and carry on. He further encouraged Senator Eyakenyi to remain strong for her family, stating: “The emotional tremor and aftershocks of this earthquake are still vibrating in many hearts. God knows that after each earthquake, people rebuild, and we are here to support the rebuilding efforts. God made you a Councillor, a Commissioner, a Minister, a Senator, and now a Deputy Governor. He will take you to the next level.”
In her response, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, thanked her colleagues for their presence and for sharing in her sorrow over the loss of her daughter, who tragically died due to childbirth complications. She reflected on the moments of joy they had shared during her daughter’s wedding only months before and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the visiting deputy governors for their show of love and solidarity.
“I am truly grateful for your support at this difficult time,” Senator Eyakenyi said. “You were all with me when we celebrated the wedding of my daughter, and now, you are here with me in my time of sorrow. May God bless each of you for this show of love and solidarity?”
Also present at the commiseration were Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State; Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River State; and Chief Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State.