The Council of Oro Traditional Rulers (COTR), the highest traditional rulers council in Oro Nation, which is the third largest ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State, has paid a grand tribute to the late Madam Atim Okon Abang, mother of Justice Okon Abang, a judge of the Appeal Court, Abuja.
The Council, led by the Royal Patriarch of the Land and Ahta Oro VIII, His Eminence Ita Okokon, on Monday, March 3, were on a condolence visit to the Abang family, over the demise of Madam Atim Abang.
Speaking at the palatial home of Justice Abang in his hometown of Oduo Ebughu, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the COTR eulogised the late Madam Atim for her virtuous life which made her live to the ripe age of 89.
The Chairman of COTR, HRM Offong Effiong Matthew Unanaowo commended Madam Abang for living a worthy life, saying that good women like her were scarce in today’s world.
While describing the Late Madam Atim as a pillar of strength, love, and kindness, whose presence touched the lives of all who knew her, the Royal Father added that with a heart full of compassion and generosity, she nurtured her family and community with selflessness and devotion.
He stressed that her life was a testament to the values of humility, integrity, and faith, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
He said, “Though she may be gone, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, and her memory remains a blessing to all who were fortunate to have known her.”
He expressed pride in the COTR for attending the ceremony in large numbers and prayed for God’s blessings on the family.
Also speaking, the paramount ruler of Mbo LGA, HRM Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang praised the late Madam Abang for her good virtues as prayed God’s leading to her soul as she traveled in the light.
On her part, Mrs. Mary Inyang, Itai Oro, who spoke on behalf of the women in the council, described the late matriarch’s exit as a celebration of a life well spent.
She noted that Madam Abang raised her children with the fear of God and moulded them into high-achieving individuals.
Mrs. Inyang also thanked Justice Okon Abang for organizing a grand funeral ceremony in honour of his mother.
Responding on behalf of the bereaved family, Justice Okon Efreti Abang acknowledged the message of consolation passed by the visit of the COTR.
Abang announced that a Service of Songs would be held on Thursday, March 6, followed by the burial ceremony on March 7 at 11 am.
He invited everyone to attend, expecting a large number of visitors.
High point of the event was the presentation of a symbolic cow to the Council.
Others dignitaries who attended the condolence visit included Sir Asuquo Inuikim Obon, HRH Uqua Onno, Chief Effiong Okon Uye, HH Ita Okon Otong, Chief E. E. Abia, Chief Christopher Ntekim, Chief Mrs Ikwo Obiosio, HH Nuwak Offong, E. A. Idim, HH Offong Otok Onwioduokid, Offong Bassey Harry Bassey, Chief Ulo Ante Uye, Chief E. E. Uwe Dr Titus Antai, among many others.
