RismadarVoice Reporters, April 8, 2026.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has expressed heartfelt condolences to Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien over the death of his wife, Late Dr. (Mrs.) Grace Emmanuel Ibok Essien.
The Union described her passing as painful, a significant loss to humanity.
Chairman of the Union, Comrade Nsibiet John said this when he led members on a condolence visit to Senator Essien and family at Ikot Abia Idem, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
The delegation include: the Council Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo; Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Elder Manasseh Umoette; National Trustee of NUJ, Comrade Gabriel Ekaidem; and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Daniel Etokidem.
Comrade John said the moment was heavy for the union as it joined the family to mourn the deceased, while stressing that death is an inevitable part of life, urged the bereaved family to take solace in the impactful life lived by the late Dr. (Mrs.) Essien.
He prayed that God would grant Senator Essien and the entire family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Senator Ibok Essien, who represented Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the inception of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, who is also the founder of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, said his late wife passed away at the age of 68.
He described her as a devout woman of God who dedicated her life to the service of humanity.
The former lawmaker recalled several instances where she stood firmly in support of the family, noting that her absence would be deeply felt.
He said the family would greatly miss her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to both family and community.
