Tears flowed freely from family members on Monday as the remains of the late Nollywood make-up artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, were entered into her family home in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The late artist, 24, was laid to rest in her hometown in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Frederick died on Wednesday along with five film practitioners, including Junior Pope, when their boat capsized in the River Niger.
The state governor Umo Eno, who had earlier visited the family over the weekend had directed that her remains which had been buried by the bank of River Niger be exhumed and returned for proper burial in the state.
Our correspondent reports that a candle-light procession was also held in her honour.
A Facebook user, Ubong David, who shared pictures from the burial on Monday wrote, “Today, the late Abigail Frederick, the Nollywood makeup artist who tragically lost her life in the ill-fated boat mishap, has been laid to rest at the family compound in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area.
“The funeral service was conducted by the Church of Christ, Ikot Udoma, and was attended by various dignitaries, including the Eket Transition Committee Chairman, Akaniyene Tommey; Commissioner for Tourism, Charles Udoh; SA on Entertainment, Moses Eskor; Godfada Uko, members of the Eket Transition Committee, Nollywood actress, Eve Esin, the Nollywood community, friends, and sympathisers.”
Eno had during his visit to the deceased’s family announced automatic employment to her elder sister and directed the renovation of the family house.
“This is deeply unfortunate. A young girl, 24 years old, who finished her National Youth Service Programme just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.
“This is a reflection of our Arise Spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions. Sadly, her life ended the way it did.
“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of Government to console and encourage the family.
Eno had said going there meant the state cared. According to him, “You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. The government will be with the family and support them,” he had promised.
