The funeral of late cultural music icon, Chief (Dr) Uko Akpan, took place at Afaha Obong, Abak local government area, Akwa Ibom State, attended by Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The legendary musician died at 93.

Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and former governor of the state, on Friday 18 February, prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the “irreplaceable loss”.

The former Senator in his message to the family said: “The loss of a legend like the late Chief Uko Akpan could be agonising but take solace in the fact that till death your father was a foremost cultural music icon who dedicated his life to putting smiles on the faces of humanity through his genre of music.

Akpabio was at the funeral.

“It is also to his credit that he expanded the frontiers of cultural music beyond the shores of Nigeria.

“Notably, the late culture icon had put up an outstanding performance in the National Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.

“It was in recognition of his talent that although he had no formal education, the University of Uyo awarded him the highest academic honour with the award of Doctor of Music (Honoris Causa).

“The legacies he has left behind are mementos that will remain evergreen in the memories of those who knew him or listened to his music.

“The late Chief Uko Akpan will be sorely missed but he will continue to live in our hearts through his evergreen music.

“We know that this is a difficult time for the entire Uko Akpan family, and the people that he mentored and inspired but remember that death is only the end of the physical life and the beginning of eternal glory.”

At the funeral conducted by the Sanctified Mount Zion, Ikot Ukpong, Afaha Obong, other government dignitaries including Federal and State Legislators, socio-cultural groups, political groups, religious groups and a host of others also attended.

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