Abia Honours Late Evangelist Uma Ukpai With State Burial

The Abia State Government has held a state burial service in honour of renowned evangelist Uma Ukpai, who passed away at the age of 80.

Speaking during the ceremony at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti urged Nigerians to live meaningful lives that would leave lasting positive legacies.

Otti said the late cleric’s life and legacy should challenge others to reflect on how they would be remembered.

“So, the challenge is for all of us. What would people say on a day like this, when it is our turn?” he said.

The governor expressed gratitude to God for the life of the deceased, noting that the state chose to honour him because of his immense contributions to Abia, Nigeria, and the global Christian community.

“Our decision to honour him is in our character of giving honour to whom honour is due,” he added.

He also extended condolences to the Ukpai family, encouraging them to grieve with hope.

“I want to thank you, Mummy (Mrs Ukpai), for allowing us to give honour to whom honour is due.

“And to the family of the bereaved: you can weep, but not like the unbelievers, because he knows where he is headed.

“If you weep so much, maybe you are weeping for yourself. But for him, it is clear where he is headed. On that resurrection morning, I have no doubts that our daddy and all those who died in the Lord will wake up. They will resurrect, and we will meet with them again. That is the promise that God gave us,” he said.

Also speaking, Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, represented by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, described Ukpai as a visionary leader.

Eno noted that the late cleric “fought a good fight of faith and finished well,” urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from his exemplary life.

In a tribute, Mosy Madugba, National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, described Ukpai as a global voice and a unifier among gospel ministers, adding that the fellowship honoured him by placing its flag on his coffin.

Delivering a sermon, PFN President Francis Wale Oke emphasised the importance of righteous living, noting that Ukpai’s life reflected holiness and deep commitment to the gospel.

In a vote of thanks, the deceased’s first son, Chidi Uma, expressed appreciation to the government and dignitaries for their support.

The burial ceremony attracted several prominent figures, including Doye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, and his wife; Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate; as well as lawmakers, state officials, traditional rulers led by Linus Nto Mbah, and other religious leaders.