Finally, Udoabiana Bows Out

He Has Left Behind Cherished Memories – Daughter




There is much to be learnt from the life and times of this musical icon who, from all indications have refused to zero in for failure and oblivion. To those who believe in predestination, the thought and avowal that all that happens to man in this terrestrial sojourn have been written down before his advent and are tele-guided by nature, there is yet another instance to score a point. From the short but eventful life of Chief Okon Etim Ibok Ekpofong, popularly known and called Udoabianga, one can see a figure striving to live in conformity with destiny and ever keeping to self control to keep in touch with it.

Before his final exit on Monday, 25th January 2010 at 3:40am following a brief illness, music, his chosen career had exposed him to the odds that life can offer and balanced it however, with sweet sips that an admired vocation in the entertainment industry can attract. With music, he has made a name which generations may not forget and attracted honour and recognition to himself and family alike.

Stories around Chief Udoabianga and his music career are intriguing. At age 10, Udoabiana is said to have attracted attention from persons to himself by his ability to mix and turn in sweet melodies at play grounds in the extended family compound of late Pa Etim Ekpofiong, a renowned merchant throw whom Udoabiana got his pet name. At such times, he is said to have been seen as an MC in the making by his play mates who hovered around him to be entertained by his band set which at that initial juvenile stage had empty tins of peak milk of different sizes, a microphone constructed from sticks and water proofs, while he dressed artificially to appear as a stage man in the theatre.

Following the prodding of those who saw raw talent in Udoabiana, including his late father, Chief Etim Ekpofiong, at Age 12, late Chief Udoabiana, who will be interred on 16 of April 2010, made his first appearance on stage at a cinema at Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom Local government Area where he stole the show and carted away thunderous applause from dazed crowd of hungry fun seekers.
Since then, his fame has never decline but assume a jealous cycling up the notch in and around Akwa Ibom State.

He had different tales to tell. As an escapist from death traps he had first hand knowledge of fear and terror which made him bold assure all that he had a mission which could not be stalled by evil forces. On several accessions, it was learnt by Global Concord that Chief Udoabiana, the Obong Uwana of Nung Udoe survived tragedy to the consternation of those who knew the severity of the instance. At Ikot Akpa Ofuk in Asutan Ekpe, a fan which conveyed Chief Abiana and his Abiana Special House, Blessed Udo Abiana and His Star Gazers Band ran into a deep gully with all the instruments and vehicle burying him underneath. Two hours it was discovered that the boss, Chief Abiana was not rescued, prompting yet another search mission. Recounting his experience afterward in a special album tagged: Abiana special: Abiana idi kpaha nsek, the icon told the wailers upon the news of his dead on a popular “Udua Nung Udoe day” that he was alive and will no die prematurely.

Years after, as if the first experience was not enough to teach him that the earth is not a bed of roses, Chief Abiana had a glimpse of death when he was attacked and ready to be set ablazed by armed bandits. His daughter, lady Aniebiet Okon Ibok, a business mogul recounts the story as told her by his dad: “Daddy was returning from a musical trip when he was attached by hoodlums at Ikot Akpa Ekang in Uruan L.G. Area”, she recalled. Before the incident, it was revealed in a church that we should keep watch and pray for God to intervene for my father. So when he came back and narrated how he was attacked by armed rubbers and how one of them objected seriously to setting him ablaze, that if they do, he (the arm robbers) will report them to the police, we all knew that God was the one protecting him”, Ani observed.

Those were some of the oddities Abiana met in his trips but he was never hurt by any of them because of the determination and belief he held that he will triumph every difficulties coming his way by God's grace. Speaking about the life style of his late Father, Lady Aniebiet Abiana, a graduate of Marketing and second daughter of the diseased told the press that his late father was a socialist and great mixer who never could entertain any dull moment. She said: “You can't regret any moment you spent with my father, he was social and friendly to the least person. He knew how to make funs and ignite laughter to a down cast soul. This is one of the reasons that made his musical adventure a pricey one”.

Chief Abiana got married at an early age. At 20, Chief Abiana, a committed member of the Apostolic Church tied nuptial knot with her heart throb, Deaconess Enobong Abiana and started a family. He is known for adhering to and teaching about family principles and proper breeding of his children to be useful to themselves and others in the society.

He has won several awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field. He was awarded 1st price by National Festival of Art and Culture in 1989 and got a certificate of Honour from Uforo Development Association among others.
It is reasonable to belief that “musicking” to boost the state entertainment industry and the Abiana philosophies will not end with his exit. The logic is that his first son, Mr. Mendie Abiana, a final year student of Geography Education, University of Uyo is a perfect breed an a talent in the use of musical instruments which form the band stand. His fame is equally rising as he has displayed rare talent while fulfilling musical engagement his father could not live to perform.

Global concord gathered that series of activities are billed to toll death knell of the icon. Some of the programmes have taken effect from 8th of April 2010 with several musical concerts and social activities slated to climax on Friday, 16th of April, with the burial of the diseased which is to be conducted by the Apostolic Church, Nung Udoe Area at Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government secretariat.

Night of song is expected to hold on 15th April 2010 by 9pm, while Akwa Ibom State musicians' night holds at same venue Nung Udoe secretariat on 14th April 2010 in memory of the entertainment.
A release from the family invites members of the public to identify with the family by attending the burial enmass.


ABIANA IN BRIEF

- Born 22nd Feb, 1945
- Married at age 20 to Deaconess Enobong Okon Ibok
- Started a career at age 12
- Sang for 50 years
- Had three children
- Died on 25th January 2010 after brief illness