Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed the renovation of Urban Secondary School, Ibiaku, in Ikono Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Eno gave the directive at the funeral of late Madam Catherine Emmanuel Benstone, mother of his Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr. Elijah George, at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, Ikono Local Government Area.
He also promised to fund the roofing and fencing of the local Catholic Church which, he learnt, was the wish of the deceased in her lifetime.
According to the Governor, the Urban Secondary School’s face lift project was to honour the memory of the deceased and in appreciation of the loyalty and dedication he has enjoyed from her son, his aide, Elijah, who is an alumnus of the school.
Governor Eno, expressing the condolences of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, said though he never met the late Catherine Benstone, his perception of the quality of life and disposition of her son are testimonies to the great woman that she must have been in her lifetime, adding that the blessing of having a son who is able to give her a befitting burial, with the favour of a state government entourage in attendance, affirms God’s honour for her.
“We have just come to show solidarity. I lost my mother too and I can tell how painful it is, but let our presence give you that comfort and strength that you are not alone. If your mother has left you behind and you are able to put all these together and attract all of these dignitaries to her funeral by your lifestyle and the things you do, I believe that your mother has left a memorable legacy behind through you. That is the comfort you should get. So on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I condole with you and your family, and pray that God will give you the fortitude to bear the loss.
“George wants the Urban Secondary School he attended to be renovated, so to honour you and to honour the memory of your mother, the SSA on Special Duties, Barrister Morgan Ekanem will come and access it and we will do it, just to ensure that we honour today.”
He further encouraged his bereaved aide to be consoled that his mother departed the earth with great legacies, which have been affirmed by the testimonies of the Church and the array of dignitaries that turned out to grace her funeral, restating his commitment to identify with his team members irrespective of class.
The Chief celebrant of the funeral mass, Reverend Moses Patrick Sade, in his presentation on behalf of the Church, attested to the godliness of Madam Catherine Benstone in her lifetime, as well as her dedication in service to God and humanity.
The cleric commended Governor Eno’s leadership disposition and remarkable strides in so many sectors, describing his ARISE Agenda as a well-tailored development blueprint that aligns the State with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
