The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Orok Duke, has paid tribute to the late Eyo Edem Duke, describing his passing as a painful loss to his family, community, and the state.
Duke, who joined family members, friends, and sympathizers at the African Church Cathedral of Christ, MacDonald Street, in Calabar yesterday where the funeral service was held, commiserated with the bereaved family and prayed for God’s strength to comfort them in their grief.
Speaking at the service, the NDDC representative said: “Eyo was more than a brother; he was a man whose life embodied discipline, humility, and laughter. He never failed to give his best to his family, his community, and everyone around him. His death is not just a personal loss to the Duke family but to Cross River State.”
Duke added: “At a time when our society needs men of principle and courage, Eyo stood tall. His memory will remain evergreen in our hearts. I pray that God grants his soul eternal rest and strengthens this family to carry on his legacy.”
The late Duke, popularly called Etinyin by loved ones, died at the age of 52 after a brief illness. He was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and community pillar, admired for his integrity, humility, and deep sense of humor.
The Duke family, one of the prominent households in Cross River, is currently headed by Etinyin Bassey Otu Duke, under whose leadership the family continues to uphold its values of unity, service, and legacy.
The service drew a large crowd of mourners, including family members, friends, colleagues, and associates, who paid heartfelt tributes, describing the deceased as a man of peace, discipline, and enduring legacy.
Mr. Duke is survived by his wife, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives.