As Late Mma-Mma Udoansa is laid to Rest…
Death is an inescapable path, which all human beings must pass through. The Bible says: There is time for everything, a time to born and a time to die. So it was with the demise of late Madam Nsa Eyo Udoansa who passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2015 at 11.30p.m at the age of 95.
There is no doubt that the physical separation of a loved one by death at whatever age and under any circumstance, indeed generates sorrow and pains in the hearts of those left behind but late Madam Udoansa’s death comes with mixed feelings. Joyously for what she stood and for the legacy she has left behind for the living to emulate. Mma-Mma, as she was fondly called by her children and close relatives, was an epitome of love, truthfulness and faith in God. But for the fact she left when she was still needed around, brings sorrow.
Her remarkable life of honesty, carefulness and generosity will continue to remain in the minds of every one that ever crossed her path. Late Udoansa was a woman of many parts, a disciplinarian, adviser, mentor and a woman of the people. She was described as a golden fish that could not be hidden.
In church she was a light that shines on others. In the family, she was a great mother who showed love to her children with discipline as a watchword. A great example of a virtuous woman, Mma-mma was a peace-loving woman who preached the word of love to her children and everyone that came her way.
She would be missed and remembered for her caring nature, love, advice and virtues she left behind and the legacy she convoked in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would be missed today and always, remembering her sweet and warmest unique life style.
Born in 1920 to late Chief Out Ekanem Inyang Edu of Nung Obio Akwa royal family in Ekritam Apannobong in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, late Udoansa was very humble and respectful. She started her primary education at West Itam Church of Scotland Mission School and read up to standard five but since the then girl-child education was rare, she could not go further.
She got married at an early stage in life to Engr. Eyo Udo Ansa of Nung Andiong royal family in Ekritam Akpanobong in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The marriage was blessed with eight children of whom seven are alive to bid her farewell.
Late Udoansa was born into a Christian home. She followed the parents and started her faith in African Church of Nigeria in Mbiatok Itam. When she got married, she joined her husband to worship at the Church of Christ, Ikot Usen in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area where they were baptised and confirmed by Rev. Doctor Broom.
Late Udoansa was an industrious woman. She was both a farmer and a trader. She first traded mainly on pepper, after the civil war when the Igbos left Itu area, she change her line of trade to monker fish (Ibatt). A line she embraced till death.
She was no doubt a caring mother to her children and others that came close to her. She was approachable; while her simplicity and caring dispositions endeared her to many in her community. She believed in one good turn deserves another.
Late Udoansa would be buried tomorrow, Saturday November 21, 2015 at the family’s compound, located in Ekiritam-Obong, Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State after a church service to be organised by the Church of Christ, Ekiritam-Obong. She is survived by a brother, seven children, step children, numerous grandchildren great grandchildren, in-laws and a host other relations too numerous to mention.