Some members of the 1974 (G-74) Class of Lutheran High School, Obot Idim led by the President, Engr. Idorenyin Udi (5th from L) during the visit.
By Dianabasi Effiong
Members of the 1974 (G-74) Class at Lutheran High School, Obot Idim (LUTHISCO) on Friday visited Mrs Idongesit Obasi, the Class Treasurer, to condole with her over the demise and burial of her mother, late Deaconess Alice Effiong Uwah at Urua Ekpa, Ibiaku Itam, in Itu Local Government area of Akwa Ibom.
Their visit, which also coincided with the deceased funeral service at The African Church, St. Michael’s Parish, Ibiaku Itam, Itam Archdeaconry, Uyo Central Diocese, was led by the G-74 President, Engr. Idorenyin Udi, in the company of the Secretary, Mr Dianabasi Effiong, and other members of the group.
The visit was also organised to condole with Mr Maurice Obot, a member of the group and a Nephew of the deceased.
Udi said that it was important that members of G-74 showed their solidarity with their classmates over the demise of their loved ones.
The late Deaconess Alice Itah Uwah was 95 years old at her demise on April 1, 2025.
Idongesit Obasi said, ” Our mother had a deep moral strength; she lived by example- honest, disciplined, and kind. Ah After the passing of her husband, she became the matriarch of her home, opening her heart to all. Her house became a haven of peace; her kitchen always wam, and her counsel was always sought. The door was never closed to a stranger, and her spirit never tired of giving.”
A cross section of G-74 members.
Similarly, the nephew, Mr Maurice Obot told his classmates that Alice, who was his father’s last sister and was fondly called Mma Alice by the brother, now late, had a deep culinary habit.
He said, “She was an epitome of true and unadulterated love, which I will always cherish forever. Her life, to me, was like a beautiful flower that faded, but the fragrance will linger forever.”
Earlier at the homily, Rev. Unyime Daniel, who read from 2 Corinthians 5:10, told the congregation that unlike in Nigeria’s National Assembly, where ranking legislators would usually ‘take a bow and leave’ before their peers, everyone would give an account before God “according to that which he has done, both good or bad”, on the judgment day.
He said, “All of us will give an account of our stewardship before God, who is a righteous judge, an impartial judge.
“Depart from evil, change your evil ways while you still have an opportunity; the dead do not have such an opportunity.
“Unlike in the National Assembly, you will not be allowed to take a bow and go; you will give an account, whether in your relationship with people, how you held your office, or whatever you do.
Maurice, in white, with the ‘boys with big chests’ at the occasion.
“Your reward will be either eternal life or eternal condemnation regarding what your deeds are while you are alive.
“Life is a trust; it was given, and it can be taken. There is nothing that you have that had not been given to you!.”
He also told the congregation that though it might be difficult to do all these on their own, God would lead them through the spirit.
“Let Him lead us, give us the strength,” he said, adding that as it was written in the Bible passage of Revelation 3:5, there were rewards.
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment (Mmo Emi Ekande Eyesine Ata Ediye Afia Ofongidem K’idem!) and I will not blot out his name in the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels.”
Other members at the ceremony included: Engr. Emaendiong Eyibio, Prof. Akan Brooks, Effiong Etuk (Alias Bishop), Enefiok Udo; Engr. Joe Ufot; Idongesit Obasi; Emman Akpan (alias shaking buttocks); Mrs Nse E. Eyibio, Bassey Iniunam (alias Ekasa); Idorenyin Udi; Smart Ekanem; Amanam Anyang; Essien Ndarake; Prof. Dianabasi Eduwem; Columbus Etim; and Elder Eyaekop Umana.
