Lord U.D.U Etuk: Imitable Grace in the Annals of Time

Lord U.D.U Etuk: Imitable Grace in the Annals of Time

Emem Nkereuwem
Dateline 23/8/2025. Ikot Okudom. Okon-Eket.

The serene community is roused in convivial and heart throbbing ecstasy. The kind of superlative vibes that reminds one that, a life well-oiled with God’s grace and infused with the benevolence to help those in dire straits is the true definition of empathic humanity.

Lord U.D.U. Etuk like the splendour of the rainbow grew up under parents that viewed discipline and education as the gateway to both self and community development. The white man’s education was the window to exploring the globe. His parents desired that their son would someday embrace grace, gold and diamonds as long as he acquired the white man’s education. Most who could see tomorrow did the same. He was enrolled at Okon Group School, a primary school which was then under the Qua Iboe Church.

As soon as he made this first phase, the young lad who was nick-named ‘Mkpoyo Udoh’ by his parents on account of his pleasant and gregarious disposition was thirsty to go where the triad of the sun, moon and the stars unite in harmonious symphony. Not armed with his West African School Certificate, Lord U.D.U. Etuk sought greener pastures. Like Abraham who left his father’s house and became one the most blessed patriarchs, he left the quiescent village of Ikot Okudom to Lagos. The swanky, swirling city of glitz, glamour and opportunities embraced him. From then on, the inexhaustible stream of grace followed.

He married a very beautiful wife and is blessed with successful children who have traversed the globe in different areas of their professional endeavours. Sadly, she passed on to glory. A beloved wife, friend, confidant and sister. She was a teacher and mother not only her children but also to those who came by her. She was an embodiment of virtue, warmth, empathy and love. As her daughter, Hon. Judith Mayen Ogbara often reminisce thus, ‘my mum was a teacher who shone the light for those in the dark and in need of hope.’ And her children have indeed in their different ways also lit the torch of hope to those in need.

The family has through the years consistently supported people through grants to entrepreneurs, scholarships and Back-2-School items to pupils and students, the occasion of the 89th birthday of their Patriarch, the Head of Nnung Akpan-Edo and the Head of Nnnug Uko Group of villages provided another opportunity for Hon. Judith Mayen Ogbara to do what is ingrained in her genetics: intentional and strategic goals for human and capacity development.

Whilst Hon. Judith Mayen Ogbara had earlier supported women entrepreneurs from Eket Federal Constituency with mouth-watering business grants, it was presumed that the birthday party was only going to be the clinking some glasses of vintage wine and gastronomic delicacies. But alas nobody saw what was coming next. Two hundred and fifty (250) Back-2-School bags, note books and mathematical sets were donated to both pupils and students in primary and secondary schools.

Some days back it was about scholarship for undergraduate girls and women entrepreneurs. Thirty women were given business grants ranging from One Hundred and Fifty Thousand (N150,000.00) Naira; One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) and Fifty Thousand (N50,000.00) respectively.

Everywhere Hon. Judith Mayen Ogbara, our own worthy daughter of Eket Federal Constituency steps her feet on, she engraves in the hearts of the people the symbolic ‘Renewed and Sustainable Hope’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinu bu’s Renewed Hope mantra. When she visited the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, His Royal Majesty E.C.D Abia and his wife, Her Majesty, Obongawan Mandu Abia, the warm welcome in the palace was palpable and infectious. Such is her magnetic persona. Such is vintage Judith Mayen Ogbara.

The 89th birthday of her dear father, friend, confidant and mentor, Lord U.D.U Etuk as organised by his children is a testament to the years of shared love, guidance, timeless values and service above self. Those who have come by Lord U.D.U Etuk can attest to the fact that he is blessed with a most impressive gift of the gab and some of the finest blend of jokes.

At 89 years of age and still counting, Lord U.D.U. Etuk has lived not for himself alone, but for his community, the Catholic Church, the needy who cross his path and The Most High God whose timeless benevolence he will continue to enjoy in all seasons. At 89 years and still kicking in top form, this grace can aptly be described as ‘Imitable Grace in the Annals of Time.’