Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make- up artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, where he consoled the bereaved family.
Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno, sat with the grieving family members and told them he feels their pain. “This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who, finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion. Her resourcefulness and enterprise is a reflection of our A.R.I.S.E. spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions. It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did”, the governor said
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Speaking further Governor Eno said: “Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the government to console and encourage the family. I am not just the governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, I become the Mourner- in-Chief and give them hope…You know Akwa Ibomites are like Israelis, we don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”
The governor thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.
The governor also assured of government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, who are said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make-up artist. Earlier, the governor had said in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, that: “We have also followed and read the reportage, especially on the social media platforms surrounding her burial and wish to state categorically that, government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial. His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial”.
By ANIETIE USEN, Uyo reporting•