…leads State Exco on visit to Late Evangelist’s family
By Ime Silas
The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno said with the passage of renowned Evangelist, Rev (Dr) Uma Ukpai the state, Nigeria and the entire Christian community has lost an icon and a rare gem.
The State’s Chief Executive who stated this on Monday night when he cut short the State Executive Council meeting to personally lead members of the Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, recalled how the late Man of God had prophesied about his becoming governor of the state even before he contemplated it.
According to a Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, the governor while speaking during the visit at the family residence in Uyo, described the late cleric as “an icon and a rare gem, whose passing is a great loss not only to Akwa Ibom State but to Nigeria and the global Christian community.”
The Governor was also quoted to have said that the visit was to reassure the bereaved family that the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State stand with them at this difficult time and will collaborate with the family to ensure a befitting rite of passage for the revered man of God.
“We are all Daddy’s children,” the Governor said. “I recall that even before I ever contemplated becoming Governor, he once said to me, ‘You are the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State.’ His words were prophetic, and I remain grateful for the impact of his faith and ministry on my life”, Gov Eno said.
Addressing Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, the Governor prayed that God would comfort her, the children, and all spiritual sons and daughters of the deceased.
“God will strengthen you to carry on his legacies. The race is now for us to continue, and you will be our team lead,” Governor Eno said.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Uma Ukpai expressed gratitude to the Governor and members of the State Executive Council for the visit and words of encouragement.
“The passing of my husband and our father was the will of God. Only what He allows can happen. We were married for 48 years, and I knew him well — preaching was his life; if he wasn’t preaching, he wasn’t happy,” she said.
“When he took ill, great men of God like Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor E. A. Adeboye prayed for him. Your visit today is a great encouragement to us as a family. I thank you for bringing the entire government to console us.”
Mrs. Ukpai added that her connection to Akwa Ibom State was divine:
“I am not here by accident; I was born here. God ordained my life for Akwa Ibom. I am partly Akwa Ibom and partly Abia, and I know God will help me to fulfill my purpose here.”
The Governor concluded the visit with prayers, thanking God for the impactful life and ministry of “our father, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai,” and asking for divine comfort and strength for the family.
“Lord, let the homegoing of your servant bring greater glory to Your name,” the Governor prayed.
