By OurReporter
Thousands of clergymen, including Archbishops, Bishops, Church founders and senior pastors as well as senators, former governors and every other member of the political class, Friday, gathered at the Word of Promise High School, Calabar, to bid one of the Cross River State topmost clergymen, Archbishop Archibong Archibong, farewell.
Recall that Archbishop Archibong, who slept in the Lord on April 1, 2022 at the age of 72, was a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Cross River. He also founded the Calabar-based Intercessors Bible Mission (IBM) which has branches scattered across the State and beyond.
Our reporter, who monitored the funeral service, said the event was graced by Archbishop Sylvanus Ofili, Archbishop Elijah Mboho, Archbishop Idem Ikon, Archbishop Offiong Mensah, Archbishop Nuel Ikeakanam, and Archbishop Caleb Muzeh
Others were Bishop Ofonmbuk Archibong (wife of the deceased), Bishop Emmah Isong, National Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); CAN Chairman in the State, Rev Takis Caifas as well as PFN Chairman in Cross River, Rev Dr Lawrence Ekwok;
Not left out were Bishop Glory Udoema, Bishop Josef Bassey, Bishop Effiong Efiom, Bishop Sam Bada, Bishop Demas Abraham, Bishop Jude, Bishop Etietop, Bishop Margarte Ene Ita, Bishop Grace Edet, Bishop Godwin Ofum, Bishop Derby Nuel, Bishop-elect Igri Okpebri, Bishop-elect Patrick Essien, Bishop-elect John Eze, Rev Israel Eyo, Apostle Frank, Rev Ekong Ndah, Rev Fred Fred, Pastor Eso Archibong and many other Church leaders too numerous to name.
Politicians also refused to be left behind. The role call showed that former Governor Donald Duke, Sen Gershom Bassey representing Cross River South in the Senate; many House of Representatives; House of Assembly members and other members of the political class were present in the occasion.
The traditional institution, which was led by leaders in the palace of the Obong of Calabar and the Cross River state Traditional Rulers Council, was also visible for the final farewell to one of the Efik’s illustrious sons.
In his brief sermon, Archbishop Sylvanus Ofili of Christian Liberation Int’l Church Suleja, who read from John 3:16 charged everyone to come to the consciousness of the fact that life on earth is short and that eternity is a reality.
Archbishop Ofili charged all those present to settle their account with God before death as, according to him, death remained an appointment which every mortal would one day respond to.
In a condolence message to the wife of the departed preacher, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu said Archbishop Archibong “distinguished himself in many religious fora some of were his personal initiatives.”
The condolence, which was signed by HRH Etinyin Ekpo Archibong, Secretary of the Etuboms’ Traditional Council, said the departed Archbishop established monthly meetings in the Obong’s palace and prayed God to grant him peaceful repose.
In another letter of condolence sent to the bereaved family, Cross River state governor, Ben Ayade, described Archbishop Archibong as a mentor who impacted as many as were opportuned to pass his ways, adding “He was a pillar of strength to his family and the Church, he has also inspired many who will no doubt miss his fatherly counsel.”.
To former governor Donald Duke, “Archbishop Archibong’s place in our minds and hearts is totally irreplaceable. Archbishop Archibong gave of himself to stand his maturity.
“He spared nothing, sacrificed his all even when it seemed unattainable to most, he did not relent in his convictions. He made our society a better place and was truly a man of God. He was special, focused and loved his Creator without any reservation.”
Former governor, Imoke, on his part, said the fallen Archbishop contributed immensely to the growth of the CAN and Christianity generally in Cross River, and therefore appealed to the departed preacher’s family to build on the legacies he left behind.
Many other family members and friends who also spoke said the vacuum created by the departed Archbishop Archibong would be difficult to fill immediately, but however prayed God to give Bishop Ofonmbuk Archibong, wife of the departed, the needed wisdom to lead the Church successfully.
