Abigail Frederick: Remains of Late Nollywood Makeup Artist arrive Akwa Ibom for proper burial
By Moses Tom
The remains of the Late Nollywood Make-up Artist, Abigail Frederick, has finally arrived Akwa Ibom for interment.
The body of the talented make-up artist arrived Uyo on Monday, 15th April, 2024, at the instance of the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Late Abigail Frederick was buried at riverside after she drowned on Wednesday, 10th April, 2024 in a boat mishap involving a movie star, Pope Odonwodu, popularly called Junior Pope in Asaba axis of River Niger.
Media reports suggested that Abigail Frederick’s family could not afford the traditional rites necessary to bring her body back to Akwa Ibom for a proper burial, hence she was buried at the bank of the river where she drowned.
Umo Eno orders exhumation
But Governor Umo Eno had ordered that the body of Mis Abigail Frederick Edohoeket be exhumed and brought home for befitting burial.
The governor gave the order during a condolence visit to the deceased family at her county home, Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, over the weekend, where he promised to help facilitate the return of the remains of the late make- up artist.
During the visit, Governor Umo Eno offered automatic employment to the elder sister of the late Theatre Arts graduate and promised assistance to her two undergraduate sisters.
Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno who, sat with the grieving family members and said he feels their pain.
“This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who, finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.
“This is a reflection of our ARISE spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.
“It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did.
“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of Government to console and encourage the family.
“You are not just the Governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner- in-Chief and give them hope.
“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives.
“Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans.
“We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them,” Governor Umo Eno stated
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, indicated that the governor also approved the remodeling of her family house in Eket.
According to the statement, the governor directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards
The statement equally emphasised that Governor Umo Eno is pained by the tragic boat mishap, stressing that the need for her body to be given a proper and decent burial.
“His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State is aware of the tragic boat mishap which occured a few days ago on River Niger involving some Nollywood Actors and other supporting crew members while on a trip to a movie location.
“One of the victims of that accident, Miss Abigail Edith Frederick was a quintessential example of our young people who have harkened to our clarion call for them to arise and shine.
“We are deeply saddened by her painful passing and on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we sympathize with her family.
“We have also followed and read the reportage, especially on the social media platforms surrounding her burial and wish to state categorically that government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial.
*His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial,”:the statement noted.
Ekid Nation mourns
In a related development, a socio-cultural organisation in Ekid Nation, Ekid People Union, EPU, empathised with the Family of Late Miss Abigail Frederick Edohoeket.
They also commended Governor Umo Eno for providing succour to the bereaved Family.
In a condolence message on behalf of Ekid Nation, to the father of the deceased, National President of EPU, Dr Samuel Udonsak lamented why such a promising daughter of Akwa Ibom State who was having a meteoric rise in the movie industry should be cut off at the prime of her chosen carrier.
“With a heavy heart, we express our deepest condolences to you on the sudden demise of your daughter, Miss Abigail Edith Frederick.
“You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during these very trying times.
“It is most unfortunate that as a very young professional, she met her demise in the course of her professional duty, in the most tragic way.
“By her death, we all, the Ekid people, at home and in the diaspora, feel a sense of personal loss.
“On this occasion, we sincerely appreciate and commend the State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno for his swift response to this tragic incidence.
“We thank His Excellency for not only personally condoling with the bereaved family but providing succor to mitigate the untoward effects of this tragedy.
“Once again, please accept the sincere condolences of the entire Ekid people”, the message read.
