It was indeed a celebration of life as family, friends and well wishers gathered to bid Late Pa Adolphus O’Ben-Etchi, aged 96, farewell at the premises of Comprehensive Secondary School, Aningeje, Ojuk South Ward, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State.
In a homily, the Parish Priest, Immaculate Conception Parish, Mfamosing, Rev. Fr. Christopher Enang, described the late Pa O’Ben-Etchi, as a cheerful giver, a peace loving man with firm disciplinary stance that has helped shape the lives of those who came in contact with him, while alive.
Drawing his sermon from the books of Wisdom 3:1-9, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 and Matthew 25:31-46, Rev. Enang said death, which man is oblivious of the time, day, venue or date, is the certain end for every human being but that when that time comes, what account would man give to his Creator on his time while alive?
“This Earth is our temporary abode so we should not live as though we are God’s age mate. Man was created for three purposes – to know, love and serve God. We need to consistently search ourselves and if we have derailed or failed, we need to make things right with God and by extension, with man.” He admonished.
Rev. Enang prayed for the bereaved family, asking God to comfort them in these trying times.
In a brief condolence message to the bereaved family, the Cross River State State Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, said “His Excellency and the entire Cross River State Executive Council Members, show their support to and sympathize with Rt. Hon. Goerge O’Ben-Etchi and the rest of the family, but this is done with joy as Pa O’Ben-Etchi has lived a good, long and prosperous life. At 96, the family should be proud that he was so much loved by God and for raising Godly offsprings. So we celebrate with you and wish the family happy celebrations as Pa is laid to rest.”
In his tribute, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development and Son of the deceased, Rt. Hon. George O’Ben-Etchi, described his father as ” a good man, husband, father, community grassrooter and Christian. Family was every thing to him. He was an astute teacher, my biggest cheerleader. He loved all his children, equally, praying for us and never pitched us against ourselves. So intelligent and loyal, he was also known as the ‘Prince of Peace’. Memories of us together will forever be tresured. I am grateful to God for giving me my father.”
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the O’Ben-Etchi clan, Rt. Hon. O’Ben-Etchi, praised God for honouring the family with the beautiful flow events.
He also specially thanked his boss, the Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade, his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams and Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly; members of the Cross River State Executive Council; Chairmen of Local Government Councils, Cross River State; political appointees; Cross River Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party; Rotary Club; St. Patrick’s College Old Students Association; the Catholic Church leadership; family; friends and a host of other very important dignitaries.
Born on the 1st of January, 1924 and transitioned on the 5th of February, 2020, Late Pa Adolphus O’Ben-Etchi, left behind a wife, many children, grand children, great grand children, in-laws and a host of relatives.