God’s General: Tributes, reflections as Uma Ukpai is finally laid to rest

EMEKA OKAFOR, UMUAHIA

The remains of late Rev. Dr. Umah Ukpai was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Asaga in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, amidst tributes and reflections on his impactful life.

The revered cleric, who passed away at 80, was celebrated for his service, humility, and devotion to God.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, represented by his Deputy Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, described late Rev. Ukpai as a man who walked closely with God, dispensing divine grace with humility and compassion.

He emphasised that Rev. Ukpai’s faith, works, and steadfast witness would remain a lasting inspiration to future generations.

The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Abel U. Amadi, reminded Christians of life’s transient nature, urging believers to hold firmly to the Word of God and embrace Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of greatness.

Pastor Mrs. Philomena Uma Ukpai, the deceased’s widow, expressed gratitude for her husband’s life, describing him as a “General” who honoured his people, country, and God.

Recall that the State government has earlier held a Burial Service in his honour which held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia attracted dignitaries.

In his speech at the service, Governor Alex Otti challenged people to live a good life so that when they are no more, they would be remembered for good while noted that Papa Uma  Ukpai did not die but only transited.

“How can he die? You can see the children that came out, the great work that he did here.

“So, the challenge is for all of us. What would people say on a day like this, when it is our turn? You can see testimonies everywhere. I’m sure that you have been blessed,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti thanked God for the gift of late Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai to the State, Nigeria and the World and disclosed that, he decided to honour him because honour should be given to whom it is due.

“We thank God for the gifts of Papa Uma Ukpai, to our generation, to our dear State, to our Akwa Ibom State, to Nigeria, to Africa, and to the World.

“Our decision to honour him is in our character of giving honour to whom honour is due,” Gov. Otti reaffirmed.

Governor Otti eulogised late Rev. Uma Ukpai, “So daddy, we thank you for the contribution you made to our State.We thank you for what you represented and we wish you well. Good night,” Gov. Otti concluded.

The governor who further appreciated the wife of the deceased, Pastor Mrs Philomena Uma Ukpai for granting approval for the State to honour the husband, urged the bereaved family, not to weep like those without hope.

“I want to thank you Mummy (Mrs Ukpai) for allowing us, 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,”

Also speaking at the service, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi described Rev. Uma Ukpai as a visioner.

Governor Eno, who noted that the deceased fought a good fight of faith and finished well, encouraged Abian’s, Akwa Ibomites and all Nigerians to take heart, as he lived a good life worthy of emulation.

transcends generations, adding that he lived a good  life and yielded himself to God, who used him to affect lives positively.

He noted that Rev. Uma Ukpai did not serve money nor corrupt the gospel but lived a life of holiness, hence, God made his death glorious. He added that Rev. Uma Ukpai followed God in deed and in preaching.

In a vote of thanks, the first son of Rev. Uma Ukpai, Dr Chidi Uma on behalf of the family thanked the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and all individuals who attended the State burial for identifying with them in their time of challenges.

He assured that the family is standing on the rock, which their father established for them, adding that they would follow it.

The State burial service, which attracted many dignitaries including Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State and his wife, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, Deputy Governors, wife of the former Governor of Edo State, B. Obasek, members of the National Assembly, members of Abia and other State Houses of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, President of General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, and many servants of God, traditional rulers led by Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah.