By Ime Ben
It was Babe Ruth, an American Professional baseball player who maintained that "heroes get remembered, but Legends never die".
Senator Etang Edet Umoyo can best be described as both a Heroe and a Legend who will always be remembered, a man whose memories will never die.
Born 72 years ago in Idung Assan into the family of Elder Edet Umoyo of Idung Orok and Madam Nkoyo Edet Umoyo (Nkoyo Etang Isangedighi) of Okopedi, all in Etebi, Esit Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Senator Umoyo attended Quo Iboe Church Group School, Akpautong and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate with distinction in 1961. He didn't end there, but climbed the academic ladder upto the university level both in Nigeria and in abroad.
His political career started with appointment as Commissioner for Agriculture in 1984 and was re-appointed as Commissioner for Local Government from 16th September, 1985 to 30th November, 1986 under the reign of Navy Captain Edet Akpan Archibong at a young age of 34 years. In those two capacities, he proved his mettle as an astute administrator, manager and lover of peace, education and progress.
As a result of his oratory skills, competence, love for tradition, justice and equity, the late Etang Umoyo was elected, Senator representing Eket-Etinan Senatorial District.
Senator Etang Umoyo was a known voice for the oppressed, a loud voice against injustice. He has been involved actively in promoting peace, conflict management and resolution in the Niger Delta Region. He has held general public and private sector positions of responsibility and has always exhibited depth, insight, independence and competence. Among such positions is members, Board of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo. Member, Society for Peace Studies and Practice, and until demise, he was the chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
It is not an exaggeration saying that Senator Etang Umoyo was an erudite speaker, a teacher of teachers, a role model, and a mentor. As a socio-political philosopher, he was known to have consistently strived for equity and justice.
In the word of Nelson Mandela, a South African Statesman and one time President, "death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his country, he can rest in peace".
As a mortal being, Senator Etang Edet Umoyo had a brief illness and yielded to the call of his Creator on 13th February, 2021.
Come Friday 7th May, 2021, the remains of the distinguished Senator Umoyo will be laid to rest at his country home, Etebi Idung Assan, Esit Eket LGA, after funeral service to be conducted by Methodist Church Nigeria, Etebi Circuit, Eket Diocese at Government Primary School, Etebi 1 by 10.
Life itself, is stressful. That is why we say Rest in Peace our Cicero, the Distinguished Senator Etang Edet Umoyo.
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