…describe her as a devoted teacher and accomplished diplomat
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has paid glowing tribute to the late Monique Oshame Ekpong, describing her as a devoted teacher, accomplished diplomat, and remarkable woman whose legacy will endure.
Speaking before delivering the Governor’s condolence message at the funeral Mass held in her honour at St. Columba’s Catholic Church, Idum-Mbube, in Ogoja Local Government Area, Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, said the gathering was not one of mourning but of celebration, reflecting on the impactful life she lived.
“Today, I am here to celebrate Her Excellency, Ambassador (Prof.) Monique Oshame Ekpong,” he said. “If you truly know her, you will agree that she was a devoted teacher, one who taught not only in formal settings but anywhere she found an opportunity to impart knowledge.”
The Deputy Governor noted that he was privileged to be one of her students, recalling how she taught him in different places, including Calabar, Belgium, London, and at every opportunity their paths crossed.
He further highlighted her strong family values, emphasizing the deep bond she shared with her husband. “You will never truly understand love until you witness the bond between Ambassador Monique and her husband. This is a family we love, a family we cherish. We are not gathered here to mourn; we are here to celebrate,” he added.
Reading the Governor’s condolence message, Odey expressed profound sorrow over her passing, describing her as a distinguished daughter of Cross River State, an esteemed academic, and an accomplished diplomat who served Nigeria with distinction.
He noted that during her tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Angola from July 2020 to October 2024, she demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in advancing the nation’s diplomatic interests. He also highlighted her role as Chairman of the Committee of Ambassadors of the Gulf of Guinea Commission member states, where she exhibited exemplary leadership and commitment to regional cooperation. He extended condolences to her family and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.
In her biography, the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Vera Nyire Odu, stated that her mother was born on 30 March 1950 to the late Mr. Columba Agbeh Kamgba and Madam Elizabeth Kamgba (née Ejue), both of Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area. She noted that the deceased obtained her First School Leaving Certificate in 1961 and proceeded to Holy Child Secondary School and Mount Carmel, Ogoja, before attending Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, for her Higher School Certificate between 1967 and 1968. She later earned a National Certificate of Education (NCE) in 1972 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Education and French from the University of Lagos.
Further, she stated that in recognition of her outstanding academic excellence and leadership qualities, the Federal Government appointed Prof. Ekpong as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Angola.
In a vote of thanks, the chief mourner and husband of the deceased, Sir Brian Ekpong, KSJI, through his son, Mr. Clay Ekpong, expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu, his deputy, and other sympathizers for their support during the period of mourning. He also thanked family members, friends, as well as religious and traditional leaders for standing with the family.
The Ogoja Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Chris Agbeh, Managing Director of Cross River State Water Board Ltd, Chief Dr. Godwin Nyiam, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Okang Asu, Chief Dr. Peter Ojie, and other top government officials were in attendance.
Deputy Governor's Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
April 11, 2026.
