By Gift Olivia Samuel
It was an emotional service at the Presbyterian Church, First Abuja Parish on Saturday, August 28, 2021, as friends and family bade Mfon-Obong Akpabio Ekpa farewell at a funeral service in his honour.
Tributes and condolence messages flowed in from families and friends in honour of the late 35-year-old Mfon-Obong, who died on Monday August 16, 2021.
The mother of the deceased, Ambassador Anthonia Ekpa, who read a tribute in honor of her late son in the form of a poem, described Mfon-Obong as ‘smart like Christ, saintly son, brilliant star, and a good lad’.
Her emotional poem partly read, “Mfon-Obong, smart like Christ your Lord, Master and Friend. Tell me my Son. Whisper to me in quiet moments and dreams at night Did you depart on Angel’s wings? Was it Elijah’s Chariot that lifted you? Was it heaven’s flotilla that sailed through waters of cheering planets? Did you see Saturn, Mars, Jupiter or slide through gathering rain clouds?
“I wish I could stretch to show I still care my love. I wish I can touch those holy feet baptized before your chariot came.Sonny, I stare in amazement at your god-like censored existence.You were different never one to display our tetchy humanity’s traits.No wonder the King of Kings took you as His personal aid!
“Now I salute you Good Lad as you serve the King. Pray for me as I traverse this Wilderness of mine. That I too, like you, may ride on the Master’s fleet.When the Trumpet sounds or the marching band arrives To take me to you for the reunion from which we will never part. Adieu my Son, Bible teacher, my friend and Brother-in-Christ!”
In his brief sermon titled, “Mystery of Death and the Grace to Handle it”, Rev. Joseph Eton, the Family Pastor, said that only the ignorant fear death but the righteous, sees it as a rest from work.
He further noted that, “It is unnecessary for anyone to grieve for the dead, for it is an excessive pain to the living, but the dead don’t feel it”, adding that death is a great reminder that we are all mortals and the world is a passing phase.
The Reverend who read from 2 Timothy 4:1-8, explained that death does not have a formula and does not forget anybody.
According to him, “No matter how intelligent you are, I want you to know that death still remembers you”. “You must prepare for death by surrendering your life to the one who can handle death—Jesus Christ”.
While noting that Mfon-Obong fought the good fight of faith and finished the race, he urged the congregation to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Savior as Mfon-Obong did, noting that Jesus never fails.
Dignitaries from all walks of life were present to pay their last respect to Mfon-Obong, who was also described as ‘quiet and efficient’.
Mfon-Obong Akpabio Ekpa will be greatly missed by family, friends as well as his colleagues and church members.
May his soul rest in peace.
