Arit Ebong: Mma teacher goes home at 90
The searchlight beams constantly on Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono, where the mother of Obonganwan Dorah Daniel Ebong, the Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Character buried her mother, Late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong also known as Mma Teacher, a nonagenarian identify with high standard celebration as a woman of proven reputation and impeccable character, with justifiable contribution to humanity as the men, women and youths took turns to embrace and celebrate her departure.
That November 19, 2021 could have well passed as any other day that appears ordinarily. What is it about November 19, 2021? This day is unique with 1931 90years ago when the Nigeria imperialist the British, the Viceroy of India and Mohandas Gandhi sign the Gandi -Irwin pact. Same time important news and events were pronounced, key technologies and popular cultures imaged, in Nigeria annual report of colonies took shape as the famous and celebraties were given birth to, like James Dean, Muhammad ALI, Robert Duvall, Don King and others. Same period a destiny girl child Mma Teacher touched ground in the family of Usanga Otono Nkenta and registered Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono in the sand of time.
It would be recalled that the celebration of nonagenarian extra-ordinary change the appearance of the day as the preacher Rev. (Dr) S. U. Ebukiba of the United Evangelical Church upholds unique values from the various texts of the Bible Heb. 9:27. Rm.14:18. 2 Sam 12:23. Ps 82:7. Eccl 9:5. 2 Sam 14:14 namely that there are over 30 Bible verses about how death is inevitable, describing the death as unavoidable road for everyone; though it’s said to be good news but it is the way of the earth; according to him: “Everyone must die whether white or black, rich or poor but that the most important thing is to get prepared at all times”, to have a personal encounter with God just as late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong had lived a fulfilled Christian life which has affected so many people positively. The pastor made it very clear before the congregation that Mma’s life on earth posted a redefinition of integrity and good will. The preacher called on the faithful to follow the way of Jesus and be faithful to their calling as good Christians.
Chief Samuel Udo along with the woman leader of Ikot Ekpeyak village respectfully repeated how Mma was good: “Mma’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she was loved beyond words and missed beyond measure today we are celebrating her life”.
The funeral of late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong provided the moment of spiritual renewal of intention for the living as there were over 30 officiating ministers of God. Senator It’s Enang, senior special assistant to the president, Niger Delta Affairs, described the life of late Deaconess Arit Daniel Ebong as a testimony of impact in the community, church, family and indeed, the lives of her children are outstanding and ‘tangible’ with which she will greet the Lord as celebration of life on earth.
Those present at the burial were; H. E. Mrs. Valarie Ebe AKS Former Deputy Governor. Amb. Etim Okpoyo AKS Former Dep. Governor. Obong Rita Akpan, Former Minister of women affairs. Senator Chris Ekpeyong ably represented by Mr. Kufre Osoh. Federal Character Commissioners representing Lagos, Benue, Rivers, Enugu and Abia. Others are Pastor Monday Udo Tom Resident Electoral Commissioner Delta State. Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo- Vice Chancellor University of Uyo. Prof. Enoidem Usoro DVC Admin. University of Uyo. Prof. Anthony P. Udo DVC Academic University of Uyo. Hon Kufre Abasi Edidem- member representing Itu state Constituency. Emem Abasi Bassey CMD University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Former Vice Chancellor University of Uyo. Obong Bassey E. Umoh, MD Ebccu Construction company Uyo. Obong Ime Ekpo- National President Ikono Development Union & Director of procurement University of Uyo. Dr. Chris Ekpo-Former Chairman-Uyo LGA. Obong Kufre Inyangette-Former State Vice Chairman APC. Dr. Effiong Etok-Former State Sec. APC. Elder, Emmanuel Oton- Former Chairman Eket Senatorial District of APC. Dr. Silas Udofia, Otumba Uduak Udoma, Hon. Justice Andrew Okon rtd. Mrs. Florence Umana the wife of the MD oil and gas free zone and host of other personalities and friends.
In life, eventhough the waves are rough, fierce and tameless but Mma Teacher was able to determined all her life’s affairs with God, couple with endurance and meaningful successes through perseverance and great determination. It’s therefore, not surprising that resoluteness is given prominence during her life time and today she has gone home amidst high standard celebration.
