The Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has described the death of an illustrious daughter of the state, Lady of Songs, Chief Christy Essien-Igbokwe, as a big loss to the state and the nation, saying that her place would be difficult, if not impossible to fill.

Describing her as a musical icon, and a spectacular actress, Chief Akpabio said the late songstress was a distinguished daughter of Akwa Ibom, who manifested the work ethics, typical of Akwa Ibom people in whatever she did.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Umana  Umana, Governor Akpabio said late Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s greatest legacy remained the fact that her success in the entertainment industry spurred many youths of Akwa Ibom extraction to toe her path and many of them had risen to glory.

“The litany of awards she gathered in the course of her illustrious career; Nigerian Lady of Songs Award; African Music Mother Award 1984; International Special Achievement Award; Mexico 1983 World Song Festival Award and Los Angeles Queen of Music Award, testify to her greatness and global appeal,” Chief Akpabio said, adding that her place in history as an outstanding musician and performer was assured.