BIOGRAPHY of the LATE MR. SYLVESTER OKON EDEM
“Life is real; life is earnest, the grave is not its Goal; Dust thou art and, dust thou returns”
– Henry Worthsworth Longfellow in Elizabethan Poet and Dramatist
Download the Service of Song order of service and Hymns.
FUNERAL SERVICE
BIRTH AND PARENTAGE
Late Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem, fondly called ‘Okon Sir’ by family members and ‘Okon Baba’ or ‘Slyobaba’ by friends, was born on the 3rd day of September, 1976, into a humble family of the late Mr. Okon Effiom Edem of Ikot Otu Nnamso, Etim Effiom Royal House, and Madam Atim Essien of the same community, all in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Okon sir’searly upbringing was that of humility and intelligence. He grew up with his big uncle LateEtubom Adam Ephraim who nurtured Sylvester to the humble man he became.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem started his early education and training at Lutheran Primary School, Atu Street, Calabar, Cross River State from 1983 to 1989, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. His yearning for greater height propelled him to seek admission at the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar where he was admitted in 1990 and he rounded up with a Senior School Certificate (SSCE) in 1995.
Late Mr. Sylvester Edem understood very early that the world is fast evolving into the digital age where virtually everything will be done through computers and that motivation drove him to enroll into Associated School of Computer Technology, Calabar in January, 1998 and by December of the same year, he graduated and was awarded Diploma in Data Processing.
Again, his love for education did not end there. His admission into University of Calabar in 1998 to study Environmental Protection and Resource Management (EPM) was another step toward achieving his dream. In 2004, Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree, Second Class Honours. In 2009, he bagged a professional certification from Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria.
Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem was never tired of building his capacity to confront evolving ideas. In 2016, having completed another professional course from Chartered Institute of Administration, he was again certified.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
A man of integrity and competence, Mr. Sylvester rose to become the General Manager of ENY Constructions Limited. He was known for diligence, accountability, and quiet efficiency that earned him the respect of staff and clients alike. He combined professional skill with a calm disposition, making him a dependable and trusted leader in the workplace.
MARITAL AND FAMILY LIFE
Late Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem met his beloved wife Mrs, Kate Ikouyenwen Edem in 2002 at Warri, Delta State and their relationship grew into a strong and enduring partnership built on love, mutual respect and shared values.
In October 2008, their union was officially established at the Registry and in October, 2011, it was traditionally formalized with a traditional marriage in the presence of families, friends and well-wishers.
Though they did not have biological children together, their home was richly blessed with several foster children whom they lovingly cared for, guided and supported. He led his home with quiet strength, love and the fear of God.
CHRISTIAN JOURNEY AND SERVICE
Late Mr. Sylvester’s walk with God was the defining pillar of his life. His journey of faith began in childhood at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 83 Calabar Road, Calabar, where the foundation of his Christian life was firmly laid. During his secondary school years, he worshipped at the Presbyterian Church, Hope Waddell Parish, Calabar, and in 1993 joined the Hope Waddell Glorious Voices, serving God joyfully through music.
In 2004, the Lord led him to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Flourishing Branch, now Regional Headquarters, Region 29, Calabar. He made a personal commitment to Christ and was baptized in 2014. He attended the School of Disciples in 2019 and completed the Workers’ Training Programme in 2024, after which he was certified as a worker on 1st September 2024.
He served faithfully in the Redeemer’s Men Fellowship of the Flourishing Branch, Ekorinim. Elected Vice President in 2019, he later served as Treasurer until his homegoing.
In every assignment, he was quiet, reserved, and committed, choosing faithfulness over applause and letting his life preach louder than his words. He was an ambassador for peace.
Until his passing, he remained a devoted and committed member of RCCG Flourishing Branch, Region 29 Headquarters, Ekorinim Road, Calabar. His life stood as a testimony to unwavering faith, selfless service, and steadfast dedication to the work of God
SOCIAL LIFE
Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem was a responsible but very reserved individual. Though he was very
sociable, he was very selective of what he does or where he belongs. In his usual jovial lifestyle, he put family first, and that included his extended family.
His friends and associates will
forever miss a reliable ally and a dependable fellow. He was a member, Institute of Strategic
Management, member, 13 Brigade Officers Mess and associate member, Chartered Institute of Administration among others. He was a passionate philanthropist. He will be greatly missed by all who have crossed his path.
TRANSITION
The world is a stage. Men and women are actors. They have their entries and exit” - Shakespeare
Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem took a bow and proceeded to the world beyond these shores on the 18th of March, 2026 at the age of 49.
He will be remembered for his passion to learn new ideas, calm disposition, and dedication to personal growth. His life, though brief, touched many hearts and left lasting memories. We take comfort in the assurance that his soul rests in the bosom of the Lord, and we hold on to the hope of meeting again on the resurrection morning.
Though his earthly life ended at 49, Late Mr. Sylvester Okon Edem finished his race with faith.
He fought the good fight, he kept the faith, and now a crown of righteousness awaits him, – 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of quiet service, integrity, and devotion to God lives on.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” – Revelation 14:13
A loving remembrance, written with tenderness.
“The heart remembers what the mind may forget, and love remains beyond the years.”