Comfort Ekanem (1947 - 2004)

Miss Comfort Asuquo Ekanem was born on 16th December 1947 in Calabar, an ancient city of rich cultural history, in the south eastern part of Nigeria. She was the first daughter of late Elder Asuquo Ekanem of Ekanem Ukpong Eton family of Ikot Ebom Itam, Itu Local Government Area and Madam Mmanyong of Jacob Obong Ete family of Nung Adia, Itiam Etoi, Uyo Local Government Area. She was brought up by both parents under the strict Calvinist tradition of the Presbyterian denomination, although her latter personal path to faith was through the Catholic Church.

Comfort had her early education at Holy Child Primary School and at West African People's Institute. In 1963, and at a very tender age, Comfort left the shores of Nigeria for Dublin, Ireland where she completed her GCE 'O' levels and also two years of secretarial studies.

Her true ambition was to understand human nature in order to help them better. It was this aspiration that led her to London in 1966 where, under the guidance of her maternal uncle, late Mr Nyong Ete J Obong, she subsequently enrolled on degree courses in sociology and psychology. In the meantime, she also continued to apply her short hand skills in various roles for a number of organisations within the Greater London area throughout the late sixties. Her studies enabled her to eventually realise her professional calling of a social worker, a post she held till she took ill with COAD, an incurable respiratory condition.

In the autumn of 2003, Comfort's condition worsened and she was admitted to Central Middlesex hospital, London. Although she was discharged for home care, she deteriorated further. The entire family and friends are very sad at her passing on when she was still in her prime, and when we needed her most.

The family has always been very proud of Comfort, especially in the manner she conducted herself throughout her short life. We are very grateful for a wonderful and caring sister, and a great personality. She will always remain a true inspiration to those of us she has left behind. We miss her everyday. Our sustenance and reassurance is that we know that she is in a far better place right now, and with our father too.

She is survived by her mother, twelve brothers and sisters, twenty two nieces and nephews, a host of relations and friends.

We pray the good and merciful Lord to grant her soul everlasting bliss.