Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, his Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom state counterparts as well as former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, were among the mamoth crowd on Thursday who paid their last respects and glowing tributes at the funeral of world famous televangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai in Abia State.
The funeral Service organized by the Abia state government at the International Conference Center, Ogurube Layout Umuahia also brought together men and women of Faith from across Nigeria and other Countries of the world.
Other dignitaries at the event include Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, wife of the former Governor of Edo State, Mrs Betty Obaseki, President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta- Mbata, Secretary to Abia State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the state executive council, top government officials, the Clergymen, traditional Rulers and a host of others.
In his speech, the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, while thanking God for the gift of Late Dr Uma Ukpai to humanity, said that the decision of the state to honour him is in accordance with the character of his administration in giving honour to whom honour is due.
The Governor who challenged people to live good lives that would speak for them when they are no more, noted that the late Dr Uma Ukpai transited to eternal glory and did not die.
He condoled with the wife of the deceased, Pastor Philomena Uma-Ukpai and other members of the family and urged them not to mourn like people without hope but to take consolation in the impactful life of Late Dr Uma Ukpai.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Enoh, represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said late Dr Uma Ukpai impacted lots of lives in Akwa Ibom state and lived a life of selfless service to God and humanity. He described him as a rare gift from Abia to the people of Akwa Ibom state and the world at large.
In a sermon, the National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale noted that the late Dr Umah Ukpai was a trailblazer, a mover and preacher of the word of God who impacted millions of lives across the globe.
He noted that the Rev Umah Ukpai lived and died the death of a righteous man, pointing out that his life exemplified peace, faith, love, service and sacrifice.
In his tribute, the Founder, Ministers Prayer Network International, Rev Professor Mosy Madugba, said the deceased was a practical Christian and large hearted, an excellent preacher, a good father and family man, who healed many sicknesses, mended many homes and restored hope to the hopeless.
Speaking on behalf of the Bereaved family, the first son of the deceased, Pastor Chidi Uma while noting that their father left a big shoe for them, solicited prayers from all and thanked Governor Alex Otti for honoring their late father and other Guests for their show of love, respect and compassion.
