For his contributions to socio-economic development of Nigeria in various spheres of Engineering, Insurance and industrial sectors, eminent Nigerians have have paid glowing tributes to the late senior of the Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA), Engr. Samuel Effiong Akpanamasi, who passed on at age 82.
Under the auspices of the College of Fellows of the institute led by the former President, Dr. Festus Osoba; the Prince of Lagos and philanthropist, Kazeem Eletu; former Lagos State House of Assembly member, Hon. Yaya Dosunmu; Oba Yisa Oyedele, the Orimedu of Orimeduland, Lekki, Lagos, friends and associates of eulogized the late insurance chief.
Former deputy governor, Obong Moses Ekpo, his kinsman and elderstatesman, also joined in the eulogies for the departed Akpanamasi, whose life he described as exemplary.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ibong Ikot Ebok, Otoro, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where the funeral service was conducted dignitaries, Dr. Osoba, extolled the virtues of the late Akpanamasi, as “a man who lived a life of service to humanity,” recalling that “the deceased worked in several places, became deeply involved in community development and gave back to society.”
“He raised his children so that the children are now also stars, contributing to society, the nation and the world globally. He was also a good Christian and family man,” Osoba added.
He added that “Akpanamasi’s life demonstrated the Christian principle that people should not live only for themselves but also for the benefit of others.”
Dr. Ojuolape, in his tribute, urged the younger generation to emulate the exemplary life and exemplary legacies of the deceased, while alive.
“Nigeria would be a better society if our younger generation can emulate the legacies left behind by the deceased. He came, saw it all and conquered. It is left for our generation to imbibe good morals, hard work, dedication and excellence shown by the deceased when he was alive,” he noted.
The chairman of the College of Fellows, Dr. Deji, said that although he did not personally meet Akpanamasi, “the testimonies about his life showed that he was a man who added value to his family and community.”
He said members of the College of Fellows made the journey to Akwa Ibom to honour Dr. Ojuolape, in-law to the departed philanthropist, whom he described as one of the pillars of the College of Fellows and the Chartered Institute of Administration.
Recalling his previous stay in Akwa Ibom between 1996 and 1998, Dr. Deji said he had observed positive developments in the state and could appreciate the impact the late engineer had made in the society.
“I can see one positive development taking place in Akwa Ibom. We could feel and touch the impact of the late Engr. Samuel Akpanamasi on society, and we are happy that we are, in one way or the other, associated with such a great man,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Yaya Dosunmu described the deceased as a man who lived a useful and impactful life.
Dosunmu, who was a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the large crowd at the funeral was evidence that Akpanamasi had touched many lives.
“From the crowd I’m seeing here, he must have been a very good family man and a generous man. This funeral is attended by a large crowd of people, both high and low, and he must have contributed his quota to the community. From what I’ve heard about him, he must have been a very kind man,” he said.
He urged the younger generation to emulate Akpanamasi’s hard work, generosity and commitment to community development, saying; “We should imbibe that idea of being hardworking, being generous and contributing our quota when we are alive.”
Former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo, also described the deceased as a great man who contributed significantly to the development of his family, community and the country.
Ekpo said Akpanamasi, whom he described as his contemporary in college, brought his wealth of experience as a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers to bear on the development of society.
“He was a great man. He was also my contemporary in college. The large crowd today is an indication that the deceased touched lives,” he said.
The eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Utibe Effiong Akpanamasi, described his father as a hardworking and consummate go-getter who devoted his life to building his family and contributing to the development of his community.
