EPU PRESIDENT GENERAL TURNS DOWN BURIAL LIST, DISCOURAGE TRADITIONAL BURDENS ON DECEASED FAMILY
The Evangelist News edition, Sunday, October 15, 2023. Joseph Ekong. Kindly like, share the link.
The President General of Ekid People’s Union Dr. Samuel Udonsak has pleaded with his immediately family, Udoumo’s family in Ekpene Afaha, Afaha Eket community in Eket Local Government to over look the traditions of taxing and straining bereaved families in the name of burial list.
He hinted this during the visit of the marital family of her late aunty Ma, Deaconess Grace Ben Assam who married in the Assam’s family in Etebi Idung Iwak, Etebi, Eket Local Government.
Dr. Udonsak who stood in as the father, while addressing his inlaws expressed delight in receiving them despite the situation death, scoring that the centenarian departed peacefully.
He recalled that during Mama’s 100th birthday celebration it was clearer that she’s nearer to heaven and the angels than this odd world and concluded that, “it would be a rest well deserved”.
“Today, as we are told that she has slept in the Lord, we can prayerfully, with faith in God and the assurances of his scriptures, say that she is resting in peace on the bossom of the Almighty God. May God’s name be praised. We are immensely grateful to God for her life and times”.
“Our own is proudly celebrated as one of the oldest in our climes. A dedicated nurse who served humanity at all levels till she reached her peak as a matron”.
“She believed in the Florence Nightingale creed, such that the plethora of nurses and doctors that dot our families today were all encouraged, assisted, and inspired by her”.
“A true woman of substance, talent, and grace; she was born as the only girl child in a family of 4 boys. I could say she certainly outlived them to the age of more than 100 years and perhaps outclassed them, too”.
“Ma Grace Ben Assam was a rare example and reflection of the finest ideals of womanhood”.
Addressing the inlaws over the burial list, the PG stated that, “today, as per tradition, Etebi Idung Iwak has come to notify us of her death and demand of us, the traditional list for her burial”.
“The Ekid People’s Union that I sit as the current President General now discourages expensive ceremonies of this nature that seek to deepen the grief with impoverishment. I will choose to lead by example”.
The Udoumoh Udonsak family reminisces and is appreciative of the exposure, care, and love that she enjoyed whilst with the Assam as a dutiful wife and mother.
“So, we have no list for you. Not at all. You may bring what you can and be purely symbolic, or you may bring nothing at all”.
“To be clear, in the upcoming event of her obsequies, the Udoumoh Udonsak family will stand shoulder to shoulder with you”.
“The deep grief, loss, and even God’s rich comfort would be jointly shared. May the soul of Ma, Deaconess Grace Ben Assam (Née Udonsak) rest in eternal peace”.
In their response, the Assam’s family went mute over the gesture. On not knowing what to say, wished their mothers are married in such family, wishing also that other families would quickly change to such tradition.
