Nigeria, Aug. 7 -- A former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has lost his wife, Ekaette.

She was 79.

Although a statement released by the family on Monday did not state when Ekaette passed on, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the sad incident occurred last month.

Ekaette's funeral, fixed for 30 August, will be conducted by the Qua Iboe Church at the Cenotaph Ground, beside the Eket Sports Stadium, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, according to the statement which was shared to reporters by Essien Ndueso, a relative of the former minister.

"This will be preceded by the opening of the mourning house on 25 August, while condolence visits will follow from Monday, 26 August to Thursday, 29 August, at...