By Elijah Ugani
Father of the Cross River State Commissioner for Health Dr. Inyang Asibong has been finally laid to rest over a month after his death.
The four days activity packed funeral rites for Chief Eyo Otu Eyo, 90 years, commenced on Monday 1st October to 4th November 2016.
Events included the tradition opening of the mourning house with different groups and individuals signing the condolence register.
The program of activities witnessed free medical outreach which was held at the General Hospital Calabar with a team of medical experts on ground rendering free medical services to all those who turned out for the exercise, including surgical operations.
According to Late Elder Eyo’s biography, he began his public service career in the civil service in 1947 and rose to become Permanent Secretary and served three different Ministries before he retired in 1975.
1989 he was appointed First Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Cross River State, a position he held until his voluntary retirement in September 1999.
During the funeral service that was held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Thomas Henshaw street Calabar, the presiding minister who is also the Minister In-Charge, Rev. Solomon Dien admonished the congregation to see the positions they occupy as a function of time and chance, charging everyone present to use same to the glorification of God and genuine service to humanity as no one knows who is next.
The service was attended by the Wife of the Governor of Cross River state, Dr. Linda Ayade, former Deputy Governor Barrister Effiom Cobham, Commissioner for Education Mr. Godwin Etta, the Director-General of Primary Health Care Development Agency. Dr. Betta Edu, Member representing Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Hon. Essien Ayi, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Effiom Ekpenyong, and a host of others.
Former Deputy Governor, Effiom Cobham described late Elder Eyo Otu as a man dedicated to the service of others, a man who employed so many persons into the civil service.
In another tune, Dr. Betta Edu posited that Elder Eyo lived a fulfilled life having made his contributions to the betterment of the society and expressed confidence in the commissioner’s ability to keep the candle burning, as she transverse the length and breadth of the country to ensure effective health care delivery in line with the Governor’s expectation.
On her part, Dr. Inyang Asibong stated that “my father lived a very fulfilled live; he is my mentor and counselor, a strict disciplinarian who ensures that his children follow him step by step, we will really miss him. We pray God to grant him eternal rest.
Elder Otu was later interred at his family compound, Akwa Iyoki, Creek Town.
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