Essien-Igbokwe’s death, an irreparable loss – Akpabio

Posted by admin Akwa Ibom, Headlines, State News Monday, July 4th, 2011

THE Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has described the death of an illustrious daughter of the state, Lady of Songs, Chief Christy Essien-Igbokwe, as a big loss to the state and the nation, adding that her place would be difficult, if not impossible to fill.

Describing her as an iconic musician and a spectacular actress, Chief Akpabio said the late songstress was a distinguished daughter of Akwa Ibom, who manifested the work ethic typical of Akwa Ibom people in whatever she did and wherever she went.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umana Okon Umana, Akpabio said the late Essien-Igbokwe’s greatest legacy remained the fact that her successes in the entertainment industry spurred many youths of Akwa Ibom extraction to toe her path, with many of such rising to glory.

“The litany of awards she gathered in the course of her illustrious career, including the Nigerian Lady of Songs award; African Music Mother Award (1984); International Special Achievement award; Mexico 1983 World Song Festival Award and Los Angeles Queen of Music Award, testified to her greatness and global appeal,” Akpabio said, adding that her place in history, as an outstanding musician and performer, was assured.

According to Governor Akpabio, “we acknowledge that to live in the hearts of those who love you is not to die. And so, she will live on in our hearts and her songs will continue to affect lives, even though she now belongs to the ages.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family and pray God to give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

-Tribunewp_posts