By Emeka Samuel,Uyo
Details have emerged that Akwa Ibom State Government decided to take responsibility for the repatriation of the corpse of late Nollywood Make-Up Artist, Abigail Fredrick because her family could not afford the traditional rites necessary to bring her body back to the state for a proper burial.
The late Fredrick was one of the victims of the boat mishap that claimed the lives of five persons including actor Junior Pope, on their way to a movie shoot along the Anambra River in Anambra State.
It was gathered that as a result of that, she was buried at the bank of the river where she drowned according to traditions when the family could not meet up with the traditional repatriation rites.
A statement released by the Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh said the Governor has directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial.
“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 the government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her burial.
“Governor Umo Eno has consequently directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Governor has offered an automatic employment to the elder sister of late Akwa Ibom born Nollywood Make-Up Artist.
Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, Saturday afternoon drove straight to the family compound of the late Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Council where he consoled the bereaved family.
The Governor who has also promised to renovate their family house also offered government assistance to the two sisters of the late makeup artist who were under her sponsorship.
He commiserated with the family and praised the enterprising spirit of the late Fredrick adding that her endeavours were in line with the Arise Agenda programme of his administration.
“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 the 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.”He said.
The Governor thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.
