Renowned Nigerian gospel minister and ‘Akanam Nkwe’ crooner, Princess Anne Inyang, has announced the passing of her mother, Mrs. Mayen Mary Inyang (née Eka), who died peacefully on September 14, 2025, at her home in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The news has continued to attract an outpouring of sympathy from fans, colleagues, church leaders, members of the Christian community in Nigeria and abroad, as well as several government officials.
Mrs. Inyang, who was 83, was a devout Christian, a respected matriarch, and a woman admired for her humility, warmth, and steadfast commitment to the work of God.
She was a long-standing member of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Lagos, where she worshipped faithfully for four decades and supported ministry activities and community outreach projects until ill health limited her participation.
Princess Anne Inyang described her mother’s passing as an unexpected and heartbreaking loss, noting that she embodied sacrifice, compassion and unconditional love.
“No matter how old your mother is when she passes, your mother is your mother. Especially if you had a praying mother like mine. Every time I called her, the first words that came out of her mouth was always blessings… I will miss her dearly. Who is going to be standing in the gap for me now to pray?” she lamented.
“I had hoped that she would stay a little bit longer to enjoy the fruits of her labour, but we cannot question God. He gives and He takes away! My mother was a precious gift, and her legacy will remain with us forever. So glad I was able to be with her shortly before she passed.”
Funeral arrangements have been concluded for January 23, 2026. The burial service will take place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) chapel at the Redemption Camp, Kilometer 46, Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, before she is laid to rest at the RCCG Memorials Garden.
Family, friends, church members and well-wishers are expected to attend the service in her honour.
The family described the late matriarch as a selfless woman whose kindness and devotion to God influenced many.
They said she built a strong Christian foundation within her home and lived a life defined by grace, discipline and compassion.
Princess Anne Inyang celebrated for her timeless gospel hits such as Akanam Nkwe, My Helper O, Things Are Getting Better, God Cannot Lie, Open the Floodgates and Ekwak Ubok, has continued to receive condolence messages from fellow ministers, industry leaders, public officials and fans who recognise her contributions to gospel music in Nigeria and the diaspora.
She is widely acknowledged as the first to place Akwa Ibom music on the global stage.
Mrs. Inyang is survived by her children, with Princess Anne being her only daughter, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family is requesting prayers, support and goodwill as they prepare to lay her to rest and celebrate the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
