The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Ph.D, has condoled with his Technical Assistant on NNPC Ltd Relations, Mr. Odiong Ekanem, over the death of his father, Late Deacon Lawrence Ekanem.

Speaking on Friday, at the Funeral Service of the late Deacon, held at Christ Church Primary School, Ikot Essien, Oku Iboku, in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Ekpo described the loss as painful, but one that must be borne with faith in God.

Flanked by his Wife, Lady Esitmbom, the Gas Minister described Odiong Ekanem as a dependable Aide, adding that he has remained “a brother, a friend and everything” to him in the Ministry.

Ekpo also acknowledged the Late Deacon Ekanem’s role in sustaining his family through discipline and integrity, noting that the values instilled in his children were evident in their achievements.

He particularly commended the family for launching the Lawrence Okokon Ekanem Foundation in honour of their deceased father, saying the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as it seeks to restore hope to children and families who may have lost it.

He promised to support and identify with the Foundation to ensure it achieves its humanitarian objectives.

Earlier, the son of the deceased, Mr. Odiong Ekanem, thanked the Minister, his wife and other dignitaries for honouring the family with their presence.

He explained that the Foundation was established to support indigent children and widows, as well as provide educational assistance to the less privileged in Oku Iboku community.

Born on August 6, 1943, into the Royal Ekanem of Nnug Odiong, Ikot Antuen, Oku Iboku, in Itu LGA, the late Lawrence Ekanem worked with the Nigerian Customs Service and was ordained a Deacon of the Foursquare Gospel Church in the year 2000.

The funeral service was attended by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, members of the political class, captains of industry, staff of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), amongst other dignitaries.