Nigerians have poured torrents of grief over the unexpected demise of a one-time director of National Youth Service Corps, the retired Major-General Edet Akpan.
Akpan died Friday morning in his house in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, but two of his domestic aides who confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES, Saturday morning were shocked over his death as he did not show any sign of illness.
“The aide said they were too shocked to break the sad news to Mr. Akpan’s wife who lives in the same compound with the late husband,” the online newspaper stated.
From Facebook posts, Franklyn Isong, the publisher of Radar newspaper wrote Your love for peace was unquantifiable! You believed in Community Service. Today, it is very hard for me to say, Rest on General Edet Adam Akpan (Rtd). Ibibio nation will forever miss you. You were a great Golfer!”
Ndueheidem Akpan said “May your soul find solace in the bosom of our Lord.”
Anietie Ekpenyong screamed, “Oh my God, a great Ibibio son is gone,” while Kufre Uffot howled, “Oh what a great loss! Rest in peace great one.”
Peter George prayed “Father please rest his gentle soul, what a loss.”
“Wow! Such a great loss. May his soul rest in peace” Nseobong Essien bawled, but Nkereuwem James observed “A top-notch is gone. Adieu old warhorse.”
Dennis Udoma exclaimed, “Another Eagle has departed; may his soul Rest in Peace.”
Bassey James wished, “RIP our General,I met him napex Victoria island then, he was so happy seeing us from Akwa Ibom State, he loved aks … sad sad sad ette ka ke emem ye obong.”
Emeka Samuel described, “A great loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
Joseph Robert asked, “My heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace” and Paul Amadichukwu also wished “Rest in peace Sir.”
Aniefiok Udoh styled the departed, “A wonderful person, he was, always ready to help. May his soul rest in peace.”
Married with a wife and children, Akpan hailed from Nsit Atai local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
Akpan was a Commissioned Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1968; Chief Instructor in Nigerian Military School, Zaria; Chief Instructor/Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Education, Ilorin.
He was also Assistant Director, Army Education, Mechanized Division, Kaduna; Colonel General Staff in Army Headquarters Education; Commandant in Institute of Army Education, Ojo, Lagos State.
He was appointed Director of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), 1984; Director/Commandant, Nigerian Army, Education Corps and School in 1987; promoted Brig- General in 1990; promoted Major-General in 1994; retired in 1995 and Chairman, Stallion Business Systems Ltd., 1995.
Akpan attended Etinan Institute where he got his WASC; the University of Ibadan, B.Sc (Hons) in Chemistry, (1967); Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
A member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, he held Forces Services Star (Fss); Meritorious Service Star (Mss); and Distinguished Service Star (Dss) and a member of the National Institute, (mni).
