By Simon Utsu
Earlier today, during plenary under the leadership of Hon. Thomas Inah, the 7th Bekwarra LGA legislative council moved a motion to name the Youth resource center in Abuochiche after Ukan Idagbo, whose sojourn on earth was suddenly cut short last week. I read through the motion and I was touched not only by the thoughtful gesture but also by its significance. On a handful of occasions between 2022 and 2024, that center was one of the Cross River venues for Technical and ICT Youth Skills acquisition trainings under the auspices of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board(NCDMB). Ukan was always a part of the government officials that oversaw such trainings and I am aware that several Bekwarra youths together with youths selected from all across Cross River state, benefitted from those specialized trainings. In November last year, by a sheer stroke of coincidence, myself and Ukan were paired by our various divisions at the Nigeria Oil and Gas Content Board(NCDMB), where we both worked, for an official assignment that covered Cross River and Akwa Ibom. Incidentally, that turned out to be my last outstation assignment. The official trip gave me the opportunity to witness his unique work ethic. As a senior colleague, he led the assignment and delivered remarkably. I was impressed by his level of organisation and work planning skills. I cant also forget how he took out time to constantly reach out to me and encourage me earlier in the year, when I informed him that I had resigned my job in the agency were we worked, so I could focus on my mission overseas.
Ukan was a dedicated golfer, a reserved but at the same time, a very sociable young man loved in his community, in his workplace and everywhere that he found himself. His untimely demise has left a deep gash in the hearts of his loved ones- he’ll continue to be deeply missed by his friends, colleagues and family.
Many thanks to the Acting Chairman of Bekwarra LGA, Hon. Egbung Odama and the Bekwarra councillors for the thoughtfulness of their act which is a great step towards cementing the legacy of Mr Ukan Idagbo. I am optimistic that similar moves would equally be made to immortalise him by the sports associations he belonged to, his former work place and even the Cross River state government in due course.
May his gentle soul continue to rest in Peace.
Engr Simon Utsu writes from the United Kingdom
