•Gov Eno with the family of late Nollywood make-up artist, Abigail Frederick on February 13, 2024
EKEMINI JAMES, Uyo reporting
In line with his promise, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has handed over a remodeled fully-furnished six bedroom bungalow to the family of Late Nollywood make-up artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area.
•Late Abigail Fredrick
The governor has also donated a business support grant of one million naira to the family and an additional one million naira as educational grant to Abigail’s two younger sisters.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, he recalled that on February 13, 2024, Governor Eno had personally visited the grieving family where he offered automatic employment to the deceased’s elder sister, promised assistance to the undergraduate sisters and directed his aide on Humanitarian Services to renovate the family house and bring it up to modern standards.
He noted that, “Pastor Umo Eno embodies empathy and joy, consistently supporting Akwa Ibomites in need.”
Mr Archibong emphasised that the governor’s actions weren’t politically-motivated but a demonstration of who he really is.
“If empathy or joy has a name, it would have been Pastor Umo Eno, because he always rises to the occasion whenever any Akwa Ibomite is in need.
“The governor didn’t do this for votes or to lure you to join PDP; he did it because you are an Akwa Ibomite, and that’s how he has always been. He sent me here to ensure a proper handover of your renovated building,” he said.
In his overview of the project, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, narrated how the governor returned from an official trip and went straight to commiserate with the family, instructed that her remains be exhumed and brought back to the state for proper burial and gave automatic employment to the deceased’s elder sister.
Prince Umoekpo revealed that the building was ready a month ago but the governor insisted that it should be furnished before being presented to the family.
On his part, the deceased father, Mr. Frederick Edoho Edet, expressed gratitude to the governor for his show of love and compassion during their moment of grief.
Also speaking, Abigail’s mother, Mrs. Veronica Frederick, who was full of appreciation to the governor for coming to their aid, described the governor as a compassionate leader who has wiped the tears of their family and prayed for God’s blessing on the governor and his family.
The brief presentation which had in attendance the SSA on Special Duties who doubles as Team Lead, Inter Ministerial/Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, Barr Morgan Ekanem, featured goodwill messages from Stakeholders of the area including; the Member representing Eket in the State Assembly, Hon. Nsidibe Akata, flanked by his counterpart from Abia State, Hon. Collins Ikechukwu, who thanked God for giving the state a kind and compassionate leader like Pastor Umo Eno and prayed for God to continue to give him the strength to deliver on his ARISE Agenda.
It would be recalled that the Nollywood makeup artist, Ms Abigail Edith Frederick, died five months ago in April 2024 in a tragic boat mishap alongside three other crew members, including a popular actor, Junior Pope Odonwodo, while returning from a movie location with others on Anam River in Anambra State and buried casually by the riverside according to the tradition of the riverine communities. But when the governor heard about the sad news he ordered the exhumation of her body from the riverside for proper burial.
On April 13, 2024, the governor had this to say on his Tweeter (now X) handle:
“Today, upon my return from an official engagement in Abuja, I visited the family in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, to offer support during this difficult time.
“Recognising the immense loss suffered by the family, I assured them of my solidarity and shared their grief. It’s heartbreaking to witness the untimely passing of such a promising individual, a testament to the Arise spirit of our youth who pursue their dreams with courage.
“In response to this tragedy, I took immediate action to assist the family. I provided automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the elder sister of the deceased and directed the renovation of their family house. Additionally, government’s support was promised to the undergraduate sisters studying at the University of Uyo.
“During times of sorrow, it’s essential that we stand together as a community. I am committed to ensuring that no one is left behind and that every citizen receives the support and care they deserve”.
