By Kenneth Jude
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has described the late Obonganwan Imo Isemin as an amazon and trailblazer.
The governor disclosed this during the funeral service of the wife of the first civilian governor of the State, Obonganwan Imo Isemin, held at Mbioto Town Primary School, Mbioto 11, Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Friday.
He noted that the late Mrs. Isemin stood out as a lady of substance who was always rightly disposed to champion the course and challenges that affect women and the needy during her lifetime.
The Governor added that her determination to carve a niche for herself and stand out in all aspects of the endeavours she found herself set her apart as not just a mother, but a role model for women and entrepreneurs.
Emmanuel pointed out that the late Obonganwan Isemin stood herself out with enviable academic accomplishments that saw her take a career in a competitive and male dominated banking sector.
He noted that with her disposition for hardwork and excellence, it was only normal that she rose to become outstanding in the banking and financial sector of the country.
While acknowledging her commitments to the promotion of vocational training and skills development for women, the state governor lauded her initiative and passion at anchoring the 'Better Life for Rural Women' programme during her reign as the First Lady of the state, adding that the initiative raised the bar of women development and gave hope to many families.
"Obonganwan Imo Isemin gave freely, inspired deeply and encouraged greatly, so we are here to give thanks to God for her life while appreciating the service she rendered to our state and the sheer number of people who have turned out here to honour her. This a testimony to the impactful life that she lived."
He urged the bereaved family to be comforted with the fact that Obonganwan Isemin lived a Christian life worthy of the Christian name and handed down to them, an enviable legacy.
His words: "Always be ready to hold your head high with the knowledge that she is leaving behind an enviable legacy. Our heads hold the memory but our hearts feel the loss. Our faith makes us know that we will meet again."
Dr. Etiene Isemin, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Christian Community and all who contributed to the success of the funeral, noting that it was an honour to have a large crowd grace the burial of the departed First Lady.
Mrs. Isemin who passed on at 65 belonged to several organizations and held positions including First Female President, Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Power (UYOCIMMA). She also bagged several awards which included the Portfolio Manager of the year 1991 by Century Merchant Bank and the Best performing Wife of Governor, 1993 by Amina Foundation for Womanhood.
Among dignitaries present at the funeral service were the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Onofiok Luke and wife; former Governors of the State; Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, Obong Victor Attah and Senator Godswill Akpabio and wife, former Deputy Governors of the State, Ambassador Etim Okpoyo and wife , Obong Christopher Ekpenyong and Lady Valerie Ebe; former and serving National Assembly members; former State Chief Judge, Idongesit Ntem-Isua; former and serving State Assembly members, Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren; Head of the State Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan; State Commissioners, Board Chairmen, Heads of Government Agencies, Union Leaders, Captains of Industries among others.
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