Governor of Akwa Ibom State Umo Eno has waded into the plight of the family of the late Nollywood make-up artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, who drowned recently at the tributary of the River Niger, Anam River in Anambra State.
The governor gave three siblings of the deceased automatic job and free education.
Abigail drowned with her colleagues and crew members while being ferried to a movie location over the river.
She was hurriedly buried at the Anam river bank following parent’s reported inability to shoulder the cost of evacuating her remains home for proper burial.
But on the intervention of the governor, her remains were exhumed and evacuated home for burial at her hometown, Ikot Udoma village in Eket local government area.
While commiserating with the family, Governor Eno offered automatic employment to the surviving elder sister for immediate enrolment as one of the employees in the state’s civil service.
The governor also offered to pay for the education of two other undergraduate siblings of the late actress, currently in the universities.
The governor ordered the immediate renovation of the family house and charged his senior special assistant (SSA) on humanitarian affairs, Umo Ekpo, to ensure the house meets modern standard.
He said, “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 Ibom people are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them,” he said.
