October 14, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday night led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, the renowned evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.
Governor Eno, who cut short the State Executive Council meeting to personally visit 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.
He said the visit was to assure the bereaved family that the state government stands with them in their moment of grief and will collaborate with them to ensure a befitting farewell for the revered man of God.
“We are all Daddy’s children. 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,” Eno said.
The governor prayed for divine strength and comfort for the cleric’s widow, Pastor Philomena Ukpai, their children, and the global network of 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,” he added.
Eno also thanked God for the impactful life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Ukpai and prayed that his passing would bring glory to God.
“Lord, let the homegoing of your servant, our father, bring greater glory to Your name,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the family, Pastor (Mrs.) Philomena Ukpai expressed deep appreciation to the governor and members of the State Executive Council for their 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 preaching was his life, if he wasn’t preaching, he wasn’t happy,” she said.
She revealed that notable church leaders, including Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor E.A. Adeboye, prayed for her husband before his passing, adding that the visit by the state government was a great source of comfort.
Mrs. Ukpai also spoke of her divine connection to Akwa Ibom State, saying,
“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.”
