It was a roll call of dignitaries at the funeral service of a political and social activist, Late Lady (Hon) Lawrencia Etuk, held at Holy Family Catholic, Church, Asuna, Etinan Local Government Area.
Late Hon (Mrs) Lawrencia Etuk according to her biography was born in August 1979 to the family of Late Mr and Mrs Raphael Udo Archibong of Nung Nkup Ekong family in Obio Ibiono village, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area as the youngest child in the family.
She began her primary education at Government Primary School, Osuk Ediene in Ikono Local Government Area, completed her Senior Secondary School at West Itam and obtained National Diploma in Business Studies from Akwa Ibom state polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
Her quest for further education took her to the University of Uyo where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Studies. Death however cut her dream short from obtaining a Master’s degree in History and International Studies as she did not live to defend her research work.
Her political career started as a member of Akwa Ibom State Patriotic Front (AKPF) and later became the chapter coordinator of Uyai Iban Akwa Ibom in Etinan Local Government Area. She was also a member, National Council of Women Society (NCWS).
Late Hon Lawrencia Etuk was appointed a Supervisor for Women Affairs during the 2011 Transition Government in Etinan Local Government Council and subsequently served in the elected administration within 2012-2014.
Her last political appointment was Secretary in the 2023/2024 Transition Council in Etinan and ended up being an acting Chairman, Etinan Local Government Area where she oversaw the election of the present executive and legislative council in Etinan Local Government Area.
A Christian of the Catholic faith, she was an active member of Catholic Youth Organisation and after marriage she joined the Catholic Women Organisation. In July 2019, Late Hon Mrs Lawrencia Etuk was found worthy by the Holy Catholic Church and consequently honoured her as a Lady of Saint Mulumba Nigeria where she progressively grew to a 2nd Degree Lady in the honoured Order.
In a condolence message delivered to the family, the chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon Uko Umoh, recalled his days with her in the Transition Committee that midwife the present local administration in Etinan and praised her for her strength of character, loyalty and dedication to duties.
“She was the full definition of a good woman, kind, social and loyal in all ramifications with an impeccable character and influence that was profound.
It saddens our heart and that of the entire Council that such a shinning light has been put off by death at a time it should shine brighter.
As we mourn her untimely exit, we take comfort in knowing that while on earth, she lived a life of purpose and service well pleasing to God and humanity. She will be dearly missed”
Late Hon Lady Lawrencia Etuk who was married in 2003 to Mr Benedict Etuk of Ikot Akpanya in Etinan Local Government Area is survived by three children.
