On Monday, relatives of the late Nollywood makeup artist Abigail Edith Frederick broke down in tears when her body was brought into her family’s home in Akwa Ibom State’s Eket Local Government Area.
The 24-year-old artist was buried in her hometown of Ikot Udoma, in the Akwa Ibom State local government area of Eket.Along with Junior Pope and five other film professionals, Frederick perished on Wednesday when their boat overturned in the River Niger.Her remains were buried by the bank of the River Niger. The state governor, Umo Eno, had ordered that they be dug up and returned to the state for a proper burial.
Eno had visited the family earlier in the weekend.There was also a candlelight procession in her honor, according to our correspondent.”Today, the late Abigail Frederick, the Nollywood makeup artist who tragically lost her life in the ill-fated boat mishap, has been laid to rest at the family compound in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area,” wrote Facebook user Ubong David, who shared pictures from the burial on Monday.
“A number of dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Eket Transition Committee, Akaniyene Tommey; the Commissioner for Tourism, Charles Udoh; the SA on Entertainment, Moses Eskor; Godfada Uko; members of the Eket Transition Committee, Nollywood actress, Eve Esin, the Nollywood community, friends, and sympathisers, attended the funeral service, which was conducted by the Church of Christ, Ikot Udoma.”Eno had overseen the remodeling of the family home and given her older sister automatic employment during his visitation with the deceased’s family.
This is really regrettable. a young woman, 24, who chose to follow her passion after completing her National Youth Service program only a year ago.This is our Arise Spirit reflected back to you. It demonstrates that our youth are prepared to follow their passions and go out there instead of begging or waiting for handouts. Her life ended tragically in that manner.”
After receiving a thorough briefing, I made the decision to personally visit the family to offer consolation and encouragement along with the entire government team.Eno had said that the state took notice when it went there.
“You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans,” he said. We never part from one another. He had promised that the family would receive support and assistance from the government.