President of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association Inc, Uma Ukpai, has said his nomination for ‘The Sun Life Time Achievement Award 2023,’ came to him as a surprise.
He said he was surprised when he learnt the nomination followed a rigorous selection process by the Board of Editors of The Sun Publishing Limited, but noted that it was a acknowledgment and validation of the fact that God watches over the affairs of men on earth.
He further noted that it was also a demonstration of the fact that the media, particularly The Sun Newspapers takes interest in what his church does.
He stated this while receiving the award on Saturday in Lagos.
“Honestly speaking, that was a surprise and probably flabbergasting, because this is an acknowledgment and validation of the fact that, God watches over the affairs of men on earth.
“The Mass Media, particularly, The Sun Newspaper, over the years, watches over what we do, how we do it, when we do it and who benefit from what we do. Hence, the social responsibility functions of the mass media, particularly The Sun Newspaper, as the watch dog of the society, gate keeper of the society, court of public opinion and conscience of the society.
“Therefore, on behalf of my humble self, my wife, Philomena Uma, my family and the entire members of our fellowship, The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association Inc, we want to say a very big thank you for this great honour, acknowledgment and validation of what we do, who we are and how we have been able to lend a helping hand to our fellow brothers and sisters. In other words, a show of love which God commanded us to do. This day will, therefore, remain historically remarkable in the history of our historic event.”
He said aside from ministering the word of God to millions of faithful in over 50 countries, the ministry has equally reached out to hundreds of Nigerians through its social responsibility platforms, like the Uma Ukpai Fashion School, Uma Ukpai School of Theology, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, and Radiance Entrepreneurial Development Service Limited, an affiliate of Joseph Business School, Chicago, in the United States of America.
“Our commitment to pulling people out of poverty has been vividly exemplified and validated in 2023, when we brought succour to hundreds of Nigerians with donations of millions of naira, donations of sewing machines and other items that will put smiles and hope in the hearts of the needy. We have also given academic scholarships to students of Uma Ukpai School of Theology, Asaga, Ohafia and University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, worth N75 million within five years.
“I want to assure you all that with God on our side, The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, will continue to do more.
“Therefore, on behalf of my humble self, my wife, and the entire members of our association, we want to say a very big thank you, to Nigerians, Board of Editors of The Sun Newspaper, publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and Sporting Sun for this great recognition,” he said.