OBONGAWAN ROSELINE MAYEN ESSIEN EDOHO
a.k.a. (ADIAha Nsekpong)
Born September 3, 1942 in Otong Essien, Ikot Akpandem, Okon, Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State, in Nigeria to the late Chief Daniel Essien and Madam Angela Ekong Obot Essien. Roseline was affectionally called Mayen but nicknamed; Adiaha Nsekpong was the first born daughter, which would prepare her for her role of matriarch of her family in later years. Roseline attended elementary, high school and Teachers Training College Education in Nigeria. All through her younger years she was a very devout Catholic serving in church organizations such as the Legion of Mary etc. which would later ignite leadership responsibilities within the church. Roseline was a choir member wherever she attended mass as well.
In 1956, she married the love of her life, Dr. Edoho B. Edoho. She joined her husband in Pennsylvania in 1960. This loving bond was blessed with three children; Ms. Ruth Ekaette Edoho, Essien Edoho (deceased) and Edoho B. Edoho III (residing in California). With many job opportunities for her husband, came travel to different lands. The Edoho family resided in New York City and then to the Capital District of New York State – Albany. Roseline held various jobs. She taught at Our Lady of Sorrows School in Manhattan and Street Academy in Albany. She was an active parent on the PTA for St. Margaret Mary School in Westmere as well.
In the midst of raising a family, Roseline continued with her education receiving her BA in Sociology and MA in Education from SUNY at Albany, co-incidentally the same institution that her husband became the chair of the “African American Studies Department” in the early 70’s.
The family returned to Nigeria in 1976. Roseline worked in the Ministries of Education in both Calabar and Uyo establishing opportunities for education in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. She was known for her empowering nature; ensuring that the youth of her community realized the importance of education especially young women. As an educator and administrator, she was recognized as the government worker for the people opening/approving the opening of the most educational institutions in the state. Roseline was an energetic and enthusiastic member of Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO). She became President of the Uyo Chapter and maintained this position for over a decade. She also served as Knight of St. John Catholic Society, continued with the Legion of Mary and was a member of St. Cecilia’s Choir at the famed Christ the King Cathedral in Uyo.
Sadly, Roseline lost her husband to cancer after 25 years of marriage. She became the sole breadwinner for her three children. In the mid-90’s she was crowned “Obongawan” (Chieftess) of Okon Clan by the Paramount Ruler of Okon for her dedication to the community in building several infrastructures such as: the much needed electricity and water to neighboring villages and organizing the indigenous women of the clan.
In 2001, after retiring as a Civil Servant in Uyo, she joined her children in New York. Insist to keep busy, she became a substitute teacher for New Rochelle School District and NYC Board of Education. She joined Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in New Rochelle serving in the choir, the rosary group, and a small group of ladies who cleaned the church weekly, all these duties she continued to do even as her health deteriorated.
After suffering several strokes in early 2017, Obongawan Roseline resided at The New Jewish Home in Mammaroneck, NY.
On January 17, 2019, Roseline slept peacefully with our Lord just after sunrise. Roseline Mayen was predeceased by her parents, brothers, sisters, her husband, Dr. Edoho Bassey Edoho, her son, Essien. She leaves behind a loving family; her children Ruth and Koko, sister, nephews, nieces, grandnephew & nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren, godchildren, in laws and countless friends to mourn her passing (see formal tributes).
Rest in Perfect Peace, Obongawan!!!