In Loving Memory of Late Deaconess Edo Effiong Iyawot
8th October 1949 – 29th March 2021. Teacher, deaconess, mother, and the woman whose name this academy proudly carries.
A life well lived
Everything has a season, a time to be born and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2). The transient nature of life is expressed by William Shakespeare as “life is a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and is heard no more.”
Mortals appear on this earth, play their parts, and disappear to be seen no more. So is the case of this virtuous woman whose life we celebrate here.
Where it began
Late Deaconess Edo Effiong Iyawot was born on the 8th of October 1949 into the Christian family of Chief (Deacon) Paul Ndem Akpan Otok and Madam Aggie Paul Ndem (Nee Aggie Uduehe), both of Nung Umana Abia in Afaha Abia, Nsit Ibom L.G.A. in Akwa Ibom State. She was the sixth child of her father and the third of her mother, out of seven siblings.
She grew to become a lovely and beautiful young woman, homely, and walking strictly in accordance with her parents’ Godly discipline and the hardworking culture of the family. She was a peace maker in the family.
A lifelong learner
Late Deaconess Edo E. Iyawot started her primary education early at QIC Primary School Afaha Abia, and went on to finish her Standard Six at QIC Primary School Ndiya in what is now Nsit Ubium LGA, obtaining her First School Leaving Certificate in 1960. In school she was outstanding in sports, excelling particularly in net-ball, which she played locally and regionally in places such as Mbiaso, Uyo, Calabar, Enugu and many more, winning laurels, trophies and certificates for her school.
After joining her brother in Lagos following her primary education in 1960, she went on to study typewriting and qualified as a typist. Returning home, she got married, but that did not hinder her, as her husband encouraged her to further her education. She attended Teachers Training College (TTC) Ndon Eyo in Eket LGA, completing in 1973, after which she joined her husband in the United States of America. She obtained an Associate of Arts Degree (AA) in 1976 in Norfolk, Nebraska.
On returning to Nigeria with her family, she further obtained an Associate Certificate of Education (ACE) in 1987 from the University of Calabar, Cross River State. In the quest for higher laurels in education, she enrolled for a degree programme at the University of Calabar in 2006 and obtained a B.Sc. in Public Administration.
A teacher at heart
Her public service began in 1977 when she was employed as a class teacher at the University of Nsukka, Nsukka. In 1981 she was transferred to the University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State. Her life as a teacher was marked by wide experience; though she taught different classes, she spent more of her years in kindergarten. Her philosophy was always, and I quote, “the kiddies, they are the best to learn from. I love them.”
She retired from public service after 32 years, in 2009. Throughout her career she was an embodiment of hard work and a disciplinarian, dedicated to service, steadfast and loyal. She was proud of being a teacher, and her love for children made her career a success.
A devoted deaconess
Late Deaconess Edo Effiong Iyawot had a Christian upbringing from her parents right from birth. She was baptised by Pastor John Udofia at Eyesana and confirmed a communicant in the Qua Iboe Church in Afaha Abia. As a youth she served as a chorister and was introduced to attending early morning devotions (ubokesen), in time conducting the okom ubokesen herself.
On her return from the USA, she continued to be devoted to her Christian faith, both at home and in Calabar. Considering her devotion, her home church in Afaha Abia ordained her as a Deaconess of the Qua Iboe Church in 1999, a role she diligently served both at home and in Calabar until her death.
A devoted wife and mother
Late Deaconess Edo Effiong Iyawot and Late Edidem Effiong Jimmy Iyawot fell in love and gave their hands in marriage at Qua Iboe Church on the 8th of February 1972. They later moved to the United States of America.
The marriage was blessed with four lovely children. Her love for her late husband and children was immeasurable and known to all. She was an epitome of love and found her utmost fulfilment within her family. After the death of her husband, her first son invited her over to the United States of America to ease the pain and loss; she returned after two years of visit.
At the family level, she successfully managed home-making alongside her public service work. She was an advocate of self-reliance and embedded this principle into her heart, counselling and mentoring children, girls and women alike.
“Mma Iyawot”
Late “Mma Iyawot,” as she was fondly called by all, was very sociable, kind, generous, a counsellor and a leader. She interacted freely and cordially with everybody without discrimination, and being able to solve people’s problems gave her fulfilment. Her ingenuity in all aspects of life endeared her to many. A loving woman, mother, grandmother, sister, aunty and friend, we have missed her charming smiles.
While in the USA with her son, Late Deaconess Edo E. Iyawot registered at the Woodie Fite Senior Center, participated in prayer sessions, and led the women into prayer groups and visitations to the elderly homes.
Those she leaves behind
She is survived by 4 children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a host of relations who mourn her demise.
Answering the call
Death is a necessary end of all men. Indeed, it is worthy to note that death is a supreme commandment, an irreversible call that all mortals must answer. Late Deaconess Edo Effiong Iyawot answered this great call at the appointed time: suddenly to us, but well known to the Almighty God who alone controls our times and seasons. She departed to be in the bosom of our Lord on the 29th of March, 2021. We will surely miss her. May the good Lord grant her gentle soul eternal rest. Amen.
Last Lines
Much as we mourn her passing as mortals, we should remember that for those who believe in God, death is a transition to a better life. We give thanks to God for the opportunity granted to us to be with her, and for the profound manner in which she touched our lives. In our hearts, her memory lingers on. May the joy of her memory last longer than the pains and sorrows of her departure, till that final reunion in Christ, when we will meet to part no more. Amen.
May the good Lord grant her gentle soul eternal rest. Amen.