By Mfon Patrick|The Evangelist news
EKIM ITAM, The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, on Friday led a somber delegation of colleagues and sympathizers to bid an emotional farewell to Elder Edet Okon, the late Chief Driver of Akwa United Football Club, who was laid to rest in his hometown, Ekim Itam, Itu Local Government Area.
Speaking with heartfelt emotion at the funeral service organized by Deeper Life Bible Church, Elder Bassey eulogized the late Elder Okon as more than just a staff member: “He was a trusted friend, a dependable adviser, and a quintessential gentleman whose work ethic was exemplary and worthy of emulation.”
Describing the year as particularly difficult for Akwa United and the entire sporting community in the state, Bassey recounted the tragic sequence of losses suffered within the club:
“In January, we lost Coach Effiong Moses MON in the United States. In March, it was Elder Edet Okon. By May, our Team Manager Sir Emmanuel Udoh passed away. This has been a season of sorrow for us, and we are deeply pained.”
Bassey, who recalled his long-standing relationship with the late driver dating back to the Calabar Rovers era before Akwa Ibom State was created, praised Okon’s lifelong dedication to football and public service.
“He served and retired from the civil service with honour. We were privileged to have retained him to lead our transport unit at Akwa United. His absence will be deeply felt.”
The Sports Commissioner, accompanied by his wife Deaconess Helen Paul Bassey, top management of Akwa United FC, and officials of the Ministry of Sports, paid their last respects at the graveside.
Late Elder Edet Okon died in March after a brief illness. He was remembered not only for his professionalism but also for his God-fearing, peaceful disposition and legacy of humility and hard work.
May his soul rest in peace.
