To everyone who has posted a message adn called the family, thank you all for your kind words. Although we, his family, know that he was a great man who gave to any community he belonged to, it is gratifying to know that he is so well remembered in those same communities. We appreciate your condolences and well wishes.
- Kewscha

Edward Udo Akpabio, MB, BS (Lond.), passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2009, at the age of 83. Dr. Akpabio was born in Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

 

Dr. Akpabio started his medical education at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, and thereafter received a scholarship to attend Newcastle University in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom where he received his medical degree in 1957. Upon graduation, Dr. Akpabio returned to Nigeria with his Jamaican wife Edaphne Maude Harrison to practice in several hospitals in Eastern Nigeria, including Ikot Ekpene General Hospital and Opobo General Hospital.

 

In 1969, following the Nigerian Civil War, Dr. Akpabio relocated to Jamaica with his wife. His daughter Uduak and his nephew Emmanuel joined him a few years later. He worked in various hospitals, including Children's Hospital in Kingston, Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, and he was the Chief Medical Officer in charge of the Port Maria General Hospital in St. Mary for numerous years.

 

Dr. Akpabio resided in Port Maria for 13 years, during which time he was a member of the Port Maria Methodist Church, and was also involved in, and a supporter of, many civic organizations. He returned to Nigeria in 1981 where he continued to practice until his death.

 

Dr. Akpabio is survived by his current wife Eno; six daughters-two of whom are of Jamaican descent; Uduak Edward Akpabio, Uyai Odunuga, Jo-Jean Nse Imoh-Ita, Kewscha Emeline Akpabio, Ifiok Edwina Akpabio, and Asian Edward Akpabio; a son, Philip Akpabio; two sons-in-law, Captain Mobolaji Odunuga and Imoh Imoh-Ita; six grandchildren, Mobolaji Oluwaseun Odunuga, Moyosoreoluwa Odunuga, Marley Imo-Ita, Emmanuel Akpabio, Lydia Appabio, and Elizabeth Akpabio; and an extensive family, including the sitting Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

 

The funeral service will be held in Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria, on Saturday, November 7, 2009.