Ex Commissioner, Edet, builds Chapel in A’Ibom to honour Mary Slessor

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

A former Commissioner for Agriculture and Dean of Commissioners/Special Advisers in Akwa Ibom, Dr. Glory Edet has built and donated a chapel in honour of Mary Slessor to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

According to Edet, the chapel was in memory of the life,times and services rendered to humanity especially mothers by the Scottish Presbyterian missionary to Nigeria, Mary Mitchell Slessor, who was born on December 2, 1848, and died on January 15, 1915.

The dedication and handing over of the chapel christened Mary Mitchel Slessor was done at a colourful ceremony in Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono Ibom LGA yesterday and witnessed by a gathering of Christians from all denominations.

Delivering the keys of the Chapel to the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and Moderator of the General Assembly, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, the PDP chieftain noted that the building of the chapel was in fulfilment of her promise to erect a befitting edifice in commemoration of the iconic mother.

“Mary Slessor lived in many places, including my village, Ikpe Ikot Nkon and according to history, my grandfather, late Chief Akankpo Isonguyo lived with her.

“I know that my grandfather learnt a lot from Mary Slessor and as a grandchild, I have taken it upon myself that the name and legacies of Mary Slessor will be forever green in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria and beyond.” She said.

Akpanika, while inaugurating the project delivered with a homily charged the congregation to strive to leave a tangible legacy adding thay what would immortalize a man remained what he could do for others and lauded the former Commissioner for what he termed a state-of-the-art facility.

The ceremony was also witnessed by former commissioners, Chairmen of Ibiono Ibom and Itu Local Councils,National and State Lawmakers and Permanent Secretaries, her parents, PDP faithfuls and staff of the University of Uyo.

It would be recalled that the late Slessor was instrunmental to bringing to an end the notorious and unpopular practice of killing of twins when they are born in parts of West Africa.