… consoles with the Akpagu and Ogbudu families
The remains of late Sylvester Mbrayip Egbede has been laid to rest at his hometown of Ntara 2-Bansara, Ogoja Local Government Area on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Governor Otu, in his condolence message during the funeral mass, remarked that Sylvester Egbede, father of the honorable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Patrick Egbede, demonstrated unwavering commitment to God through his charismatic leadership within the Catholic Church.
Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, highlighted that the deceased was a community leader whose wisdom in resolving disputes was worthy of emulation and will be remembered for bringing light into challenging situations.
He admonished his Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Patrick Egbede and other family members to rather focus on their late father’s exemplary leadership and draw strength therefrom; rather than wallow in self and despair.
According to his biography, Sylvester Egbede was born nine decades ago. He began his education at St Joseph Primary School, Bansara, and later attended St. Thomas Teachers Training College, where he obtained his TC II certificate. He went on to work as a teacher, where his teaching talent and visionary approach quickly earned him recognition in the communities he served.
It stated, “Our beloved father did not face any major health challenges until his passing on Thursday, April 25th, 2024.”
In a tribute on behalf of the children, Dr Ben-Caleb Egbede described his late father as an extraordinary man, a polymath who donned myriad roles with grace and dignity, and touched the lives of many leaving behind a legacy of respect and admiration.
Hon. Patrick Egbede, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, conveyed sincere gratitude on behalf of the family to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and everyone who offered love, support, and sympathizers.
Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included commissioners, traditional rulers, family members, well-wishers, and sympathizers.
Governor Otu also attended the vigil mass and night of tribute on Friday, June 14th, 2024, in honor of late Lady Ezinne Theresa Akpagu, LSJI, mother of the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu. The event, which drew top government dignitaries and academia, took place in the deceased’s hometown in Obudu Local Government Area.
He comforted Prof. Zana Akpagu, Uncle Joe Ogbudu, and their families, encouraging them to find solace in the knowledge that their mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother lived a life worth emulating, marked by grace, resilience, and kindness.
Earlier, Rt. Hon. Odey visited the Ogbudu family in Ogoja to offer condolences following the passing of their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, late Madam Maria Omagu Ogbudu in Ogoja. She lived to the remarkable age of 107 years.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar
