Before I became governor, Uma Ukpai already told me so – Eno

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has said that before he ever thought of becoming governor, the late Rev. Uma Ukpai already told him about it.

Eno stated this on Tuesday in Uyo when he led the State Executive Council to pay a condolence visit to the family of renowned evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, late Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai.

Eno, who described the death of Ukpai as a great loss to the state, Nigeria and the global Christian community, said the deceased’s faith and ministry have impacted his life.

While consoling the family of the deceased, the governor announced that the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State will partner with them to give the late servant of God a befitting burial.

“Daddy was 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.

“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,” he stated.

Addressing the wife of the deceased, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, the Governor prayed God’s comfort for 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, the wife of the deceased, Pastor Philomena 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.

“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,” she stated.

Mrs Ukpai, who described her connection to Akwa Ibom State as divine, said, “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 fulfil my purpose here”.

According to the family, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai died on October 6 at the age of 80 after over six decades of evangelism and dynamic teaching of the word.

“Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.

“He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, loving husband, devoted father and mentor to many, and his life was a testament to God’s power and love. While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.

“We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. For indeed, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil 1:21, the family stated.