The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has lamented the sudden demise of foremost entrepreneur, Barr Ben Udowa, saying his death is a huge loss to the State.
Barr Udowa, an Executive Director of Other Investments in the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, AKICORP, died from injuries sustained following an auto crash on Friday night.
Governor Eno who spoke during a condolence visit on the family on Sunday evening, expressed deep worries over the large vacuum created by the exit of the renowned businessman.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the State Chief Executive said it was rather unfortunate that at the time the State needed him most, God chose to invite Mr Udowa home.
“It is a tragic loss not only to the Udowa’s family, but to the entire State.”
He expressed regrets over the inability of the Governor to come personally, owing to official engagements outside the shores of the country.
“The Governor has told me to tell you that you are not alone in this sad time.
“The Government of Akwa Ibom State is strongly behind you in support, please be consoled”, Prince Uwah told the widow of the deceased Group CEO of Madelyn Group.
Also speaking, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, a former Ambassador of Nigeria to Russia, recounted the reaction of the Governor when he heard the news of the accident, and all the efforts he shored up for the appropriate treatment to be administered on the chartered accountant.
“It is unfortunate that despite all the attempts to intervene, God called him home. It was God who called him, and not man.
“The sad fact is that the call came at a wrong time, but then, there is no appropriate time for a loved one to go home, even at old age.
“No one can do much to prevent you from crying because this loss is huge, but since it is a mourning that will continue for a lifetime, we pray that God alone would console you and your entire family”, said Chief Assam to the wife of the deceased, Mrs Lydia Ben Udowa.
Prayers of consolation were offered for the bereaved family by Executive Director, Agric Investment, AKICORP, Pastor Godwin Ukwat.
Responding, a brother to the wife of the deceased, Mr Samuel Udo Ikpe thanked the Governor for the visit, saying the family will always savour in the ideals of handwork and ingenuity their departed brother represented.
