The governor of Abia State called Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a late evangelist and church planter, a passionate and determined man of God who not only toiled for God but also served humanity with dedication throughout his life.
At an occasion in Umuahia, the state governor, Dr. Alex Otti, told people to live a good and God-fearing life so that they would be remembered after they died. He also said that the cleric did not die but only went to glory, according to Daily Independent.
“Papa Uma Ukpai didn’t die; he just moved on. How can he die? You can see the kids who came out and the excellent work he did here.
“So, the challenge is for all of us. What would people say on a day like this, when it’s our turn? You can find testimonies all over the place. Gov. Otti said, “I’m sure you have been blessed.”
He thanked God for bringing Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai to Abia State, Nigeria, and the world. He said he wanted to honor him because honor should be given to those who deserve it.
He remarked, “We thank God for giving us Papa Uma Ukpai as a gift to our generation, our state, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Africa, and the world.” We are honoring him because it is in our nature to give honor where it is deserved.
Governor Otti praised the man of God for all he accomplished for people and said, “So Daddy, we thank you for what you did for our state.” “We thank you for what you stood for and wish you well,” Gov. Otti said.
The governor also complimented the deceased’s wife, Pastor Mrs. Philomena Uma Ukpai, for allowing the state to honor her husband. He also told the grieving family not to cry like people who have no hope.
“Thank you, Mummy (Mrs. Ukpai), for letting us do this. Give honor to whom honor is due.” And to the relatives of the person who died, you can cry, but not like the people who don’t believe, since he knows where he is going.
“Maybe you’re crying for yourself if you cry so much.” But for him, it’s clear where he’s going. I have no doubt that our dad and everyone else who died in the Lord will wake up on that resurrection morning. They will come back to life, and we will see them again. God made us that promise.
Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, was also represented by his Deputy Governor, Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi. He called Rev. Uma Ukpai a visionary leader and said that the late pastor waged a good war of faith and finished well.
Eno told the people of Abia, Akwa Ibom, and all of Nigeria to take comfort in the fact that the pastor lived a full life that others should try to copy.
The National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Prof. Mosy Madugba, who spoke for PFN in their tributes, said that individuals should make Heaven their ultimate resting place.
Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, underlined the need for everyone to come to Jesus earlier in his sermon. He said that the only way to die a virtuous death is to give one’s life to Christ.
He said that Rev. Uma Ukpai did not serve money or distort the gospel; instead, he lived a holy life. Because of this, God made his death glorious.
Dr. Chidi Uma, the first son of Rev. Uma Ukpai, thanked Governor Alex Otti and everyone else who came to the state service burial for being there for the family during their difficult time.
He promised that the family would keep standing on the rock that their father built.
The burial service drew many important people, such as Bayelsa State Governor Doye Diri and his wife, Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, deputy governors, Betty Obaseki, the wife of the former governor of Edo State, members of the National Assembly, members of the Abia House of Assembly, other assembly members, Abia State Executive Council members, President-General of Ohanae Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, and religious leaders, including traditional rulers.
About the Author
