Uma Ukpai laid to rest in Abia

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Late tele-evangelist and preacher, Rev Uma Ukpai was yesterday laid to rest in his home town, Asaga, Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

The cleric was given a state burial by the Abia State Government on Umuahia on Thursday at a ceremony graced by Governors Alex Otti of Abia and Doye Diri of Bayelsa State, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the state Deputy Governor, Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi, as well as the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi. Preaching at the burial, Pastor Enoch Adejare of the Apostolic Church, Nigeria, highlighted Rev Ukpai’s selfless service to God and humanity.

Pastor Adejare eulogised Rev Ukpai for his humble disposition to life despite being famous while on earth.

He thanked God for the gift of Rev Uma Ukpai to humanity.

“He was a beacon of hope, a servant of the Lord, and a true son of Ohafia,” he said.

Other dignitaries who spoke, eulogised Rev Uma Ukpai for bringing a new phase to preaching of the Word God, and urged the living to continue from where he dropped off.

Speaking at the event, Gov Otti urged people to live a good life so that when they are no more, they would be remembered for good.

Otti stated that Rev Uma Ukpai did not die but only transited and queried: “How can he die? You can see the children that came out, the great work that he did here.

“So, the challenge is for all of us. What would people say on a day like this, when it is our turn? You can see testimonies everywhere. I’m sure that you have been blessed.”

The governor thanked God for the gift of Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai to Abia State, Nigeria and the world and disclosed that he decided to honour him because honour should be given to whom it is due.

The governor appreciated the wife of the deceased, Pastor (Mrs) Philomena Uma Ukpai for granting approval for the state to honour the husband and urged the bereaved family, not to weep like those without hope.

Governor Eno, described Rev. Uma Ukpai as a visionary, noting that he fought a good fight of faith and finished well; he urged Abians, Akwa Ibomites and all Nigerians to take heart, as he lived a good life worthy of emulation.

The National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Prof. Mosy Madugba who spoke on behalf of PFN, noted it was good to die the death of a righteous man, and described Rev. Ukpai as a global voice and unifier of the ministers of the gospel.

In a vote of thanks, the first son of Rev. Uma Ukpai, Dr Chidi Uma, thanked the Governor, Dr. Otti and all those who attended the state burial for identifying with them in their time of challenges.

Also present at the event were members of the National Assembly, from Abia and other state Assembly members, members of the State Executive Council, the President of General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, many clerics and traditional rulers.