By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has charged the members of tbe Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria of Cross River State origin whose career had risen to its peak to provide their shoulders for up coming artists so that they can lean on when need be.
Otu gave the charge while speaking at concert night in honour of late Chief Charles Effiom-Duke, father to Cassandra Legor Idagbor (wife to former Rep member representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanlikwu federal constituency, Legor Idagbor at the Dome Centre, Calabar Municipality local headquarters yesterday.
Otu asked artists who had broken even in the profession to see it as a duty to give assistance to up coming ones so that when they quit the scene they can have a legacy left behind.
In his remarks the senator representing Cross River South senatorial district, Asuquo Ekpeyong Jr, described the Calabar born ace musician, late Chief Effiom-Duke as a colossus who created a lot of impact in the entertainment industry and made many who are now bosses on their own.
He eulogized late artists for grooming other artists who had made a mark in the industry and had at a moment sojourn outside the shores of Nigeria in search of greener pastures.
The late musician is father in-law to former member of the House of Representatives representing Bekwarra/Obudu/7Obanlikwu federal constituency, was a well known highlife musician in Cross River before his demise.
Senator Ekpenyong said, “Late father-in-law of the former federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo
was a colossus in the entertainment industry in Cross River State.
“Having mentored many notable musical artiste in the state. I prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“Chief Charles Effiom-Duke is one man who had indeed left a legacy of creative excellence and has thus left indelible marks on the sands of time.”
Other dignitaries who also lend their voices to eulogize the father of Hon Legor Idagbor’s wife Capt Cassandra Legor Idagbor include Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem; Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, among several other dignitaries from the state and beyond.
They all celebrated life and times of late music maestro and decried the situation where rising musician and indeed creative talents do not have the needed mentorship and support to rise to the peak of their career.
Idagbor described late musician as a man of integrity who did not for one day demanded for favour from him despite the fact that he was married to his daughter.
The event was rounded off with tributes from friends, family members and associates, to eulogize the late music icon, Effiom-Duke.
The night witnessed scintillating performances by leading music stars like Sunny Neji, Iyanya, Mari B and others. May the soul of Chief Charles Effiom Duke and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
