A Thought For The Aged

By

Martin Usenekong - 08028256525

 

Okon Sunday Udo was in our shelter Afrique APICO Estate residence on Monday, October 6, 2008, an exercise he judiciously observed since June 10, 2005 when I and my family moved to House R333 along the Aniedi Akpabio Street of the parliamentary wing of the estate. “Akamber Ete” as we fondly called this frail old man was then one of the security staff employed by APICO from the neighbouring communities as part of their community relations contribution to their hosts. “Akamba Ete”, along with some of his colleagues were later disengaged, probably for their ineffectiveness in security duties.
But he had become so attached to us that 'Akamba Ete' could have moved into a room at R333 if he was not a family man with a wife and four children. Without any discussion or formal agreement, Akamba Ete assigned himself with the responsibility of sweeping our frontage eventhough we did not require the service as our small compound could be taken care of by my household including Aniekan, a fatherless boy Akamba Ete brought to us. Today Aniekan is in standard six and has maintained his first position for three consecutive years.
Several times I used to tell the frail old man not to worry about the sweeping job to no avail. One or two other neighbours noticed his good work and engaged him to a similar job which meant an enhanced income for the man. Last Christmas, Akamba Ete' must have been a king in his community, thanks to the generosity of our neighbours including brother Blessing of John Holt who adorned him with church going wearables. In our usual morning chat on Monday October 6, 'Ete Akamba' had told me of his efforts to salvage his collapsing mud-building that the rains of the past few months had almost pulled to the ground. How sad to be told on Wednesday morning that the poor old man had been knocked dead by a vehicle on his way back to his Ikot Mbon village of Nung Udoe busy road area.
So, why all this long story about a poor peasant old man knocked down by a vehicle? Akamba Ete' represents, to me a symbol of a great majority of elderly people residing in the rural areas of Akwa Ibom State, and indeed our country Nigeria. If his four sons had been in a position to take care of this man, he would not trek a distance of five kilometers or so, to do some odd jobs for a living. Another point is the safety of our high ways.
Apart from the daily road accidents caused by wreckless motorists, particularly those on tow wheels, the Nung Udoe Road that links Aka Etinan junction to the Ibesikpo Asutan local government headquarters and into Nsit Ibom have become death traps to motorists and pedestrians alike. While we wait for the dualization of the road we urge the motorists and the pedestrians to exercise some patience and obey traffic regulations. As for my friend Ete Akamba, we can only pray for the repose of his gentle soul.
THE AMOS UDO FONDATION
Late Amos Udo, a former Deputy Director in the News Division of Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation was so quiet and humble that I did not notice him between 1986 and 1988 in Calabar when I served as the General Manager of the Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation. But back home in Uyo, Amos became an instant household name in radio news reporting, flew like a meter and just vanished! But thanks to Sir, Dr. Val Attah, the permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board and Dean of the College of Permanent Secretaries a professional foundation is being instituted in memory of this young prolific reporter and editor.
When the modalities are worked out and all stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation and other friends of late Amos Udo are duly contacted, the details of participation will be made public. Meanwhile, the Nung Udoe Community where Amos Chose to make his home will not easily forget the large crowd that came for the funeral programme of that quiet, humble man. His only social club, the prestige club of 134 Oron Road was not left out. Led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Ibanga Udom and interim Administrator, Etubom Edet Okon, the delegation included Obong Mbakara Duson, Obong Orok Orok, Mr. Sunny William, Ime Udofia, Moses Adaukwo and Engr. Efiok Akpabio. Others were Hon. Nse Ituen, Ofi Okokon, Akan Udofia, Ubong Ekpo, Edima Bassey and Ofonime Okon Awak. When the Amos Udo foundation takes off, I believe the response from the corporate, public and private sector will be immense.