The Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Nollywood makeup artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by Ekerete Udoh, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Eno had upon arriving from an official engagement in Abuja, gone straight to the deceased family’s compound to console commiserate with them.
The statement also revealed that the governor had afterwards, offered an automatic employment in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo, to refurbish the family house and bring it to modern standards.
During the visit, the governor had assured the family of the state government’s assistance to the two sisters of the deceased, who are currently undergraduates at the University of Uyo and whose education is being sponsored by the late Nollywood makeup artist.
The governor, in his remark, had said: “It is deeply unfortunate that a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her youth service just last year and decided to pursue her passion came to an untimely death.”
“It is unfortunate that her life ended the way it did. Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the government to console and encourage the family. You are not just the governor when people are celebrating; in times and moments like this, you become the mourner-in-chief and give them hope.”
“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives. Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”
Governor Eno’s quick and compassionate response to the tragic loss of Abigail Edith Frederick emphasises the importance of good leadership and empathy in times of grief. By personally paying a visit to the bereaved family and offering practical support, the governor shows a commitment to attenuating their suffering and honoring the memory of the late young woman.
However, Governor Umo Eno’s directive to refurbish the family house and bring it to modern standards seems to be a tad too dramatic, especially as the boating accident which took the life of the Make-up artist had neither happened in Awka Ibom nor been his fault.
Although the gesture shows that the governor prioritizes the welfare of citizens in the face of personal loss, the money for the refurbishment of the deceased’s family house would have been better put to use by employing the services of a lifeguard to educate the resident of the state on proper boating etiquette as well as how to swim.
