On Friday, 10th April 2026, people from all walks of life thronged the quiet community of Ikot Abia Idem in Ikot Ekpene Area of Akwa ibom, to pay their last respect to great Educationist and Philanthropist, Late DR Mrs   Grace Emmanuel Ibok Essien, PhD; the late wife of District Elder Emmanuel Ibok Essien rtd. 

The late Sister Grace Essien had distinguished herself through a quiet but firm strength of character, a remarkably disciplined and resolute personality respected for her humane and caring nature. The deceased aged 68, had retired creditably from the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service as an Educationist and joined her husband as a co-founder of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, one of the most prominent private universities in Nigeria. Late Sis Grace Ibok Essien had served as South East Area Women President from 2014 to 2022.

Lead Apostle Oscar Nwanza leads all Nigerian Apostles and Bishops, active and retired with their Spouses to officiate in the solemn ceremony. The events which commenced with a service of Songs/ Night of tributes on Thursday, 9th April, climaxed on Friday with a funeral service at the zonal headquarters of South East Area at Ikot Abia Idem in Ikot Ekpene. Lead Apostle Nwanza eulogized the deceased as a woman with deep compassion, hospitable, humble, and supportive. 

He condoles the husband, children, entire family, and sympathizers with a text word from 1Kings 2 :2 - 3 “I go the way of all the earth, be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man and koop the charge of the Lord your God ….”. In his homily, the officiant reminded all of the transient nature of life and the need to reference God in all we do, showing love for our neighbour. Let us keep the charge of the Lord, walk in His ways, and keep His statutes. This is the whole duty of man, "he pleaded. He concluded by urging all to live a life with lasting legacies, knowing that we are pilgrims here on earth. 

Apostles Samuel Usoro and Chima Ibekwe assisted at the altar. 

Among those present were ministers and members of our church from all the three working Areas of Akwa Ibom State

Equally in attendance were the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State; His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, His deputy, Senators, Ministers, members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council and other state functionaries. 

In his appreciation, the husband, District Elder Emmanuel Ibok Essien rtd, was overwhelmed with the show of love, solidarity, and concern extended to him and his family. 

He described his late wife as an embodiment of timeless words of the Holy scriptures, concluding that   the love of his life was a virtuous woman, whose price is far above rubies.