Life and times of Comrade Joseph Robert
Comrade Joseph Robert was born on 14th November,1972 into the family of Late Udo Robert Akpan of Ekpuk Amanukit Udo Ekpo, Nnung Abidang of Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin Local Governnent Area. His mother is Mma Christiana Udo Robert of Nnung Ekaidem, Ikot Ntuen in Oruk Anam Local Governnment Area both in Akwa Ibom State.
However, Comrade Joe was the fourth son in the family of five males and two females. Late Comrade Joe was a devoted Catholic, who was baptized and confirmed in the Church and practiced his faith till death. He exhibited leadership roles while he was alive including being an executive member of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC),St.John Parish, 72 Abak Road, Uyo. He was also an active member of St. Sylvester Society (an arm of the Catholic Men Organization in the Parish).
Comrade Joe Robert started his formal education at Idang Primary School, Calabar, Cross River State in 1982. He later attended the prestigious St.Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa, Calabar and obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate ( SSCE ) in 1988. Still furthering his education, he later went to the University of Uyo, Uyo where he obtained BA ( Hons ) in Communication Arts in 1999.Upon graduation from UNIUYO, he proceeded for his one year mandatory service at Kano in 2000.
The deseased had been a two-time State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Akwa Ibom State Council. He was one of the newly promoted Directors in Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Uyo.
Mr. Joseph Robert, who was a strict disciplinarian with a strong sense of leadership, had contested for the State Chairmanship position of NUJ for two times but lost. He was a World Bank Programme Officer in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Uyo until his untimely death.
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Old Boys Association, Uyo Branch.
Notably, as the Scripture records in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ” Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for death... “And death being inevitable to every living creature, the great Comrade answered the glorious call on Sunday, 8th January, 2023 after a protracted illness.
He is survived by his mother, wife and four children and other relatives who are alive to bid him farewell.
As people from all walks of life converge on Friday, 24th March, 2023 at St John Parish, 72 Abak Road, Uyo to bid him farewell, it is our prayer that God in His infinite mercies will grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his immediate and extended families.
