Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday evening cut short the State Executive Council meeting to personally lead members of the Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai, renowned evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.
Speaking during the visit at the family residence in Uyo, Governor Eno 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.”
The Governor said the visit was to reassure the bereaved family that the government and people of Akwa Ibom State stand with them at this difficult time and would collaborate with the family to ensure a befitting burial for the revered man of God.
“We are all Daddy’s children,” Governor Eno recalled. “I remember 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.”
Addressing Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, wife of the late evangelist, the Governor prayed that God would comfort her, their 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,” he said.
In her response, Mrs. Uma Ukpai expressed deep appreciation to the Governor and members of the Executive Council for the visit and their words of encouragement.
“The passing of my husband and our father was the will of God. Only what He allows can happen,” she said. “We were married for 48 years, and I knew him well — preaching was his life; if he wasn’t preaching, he wasn’t happy.”
She revealed that great men of God, including Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor E.A. Adeboye, prayed for her husband during his illness, adding that the Governor’s visit brought comfort and assurance to the family.
“Your visit today is a great encouragement to us as a family. I thank you for bringing the entire government to console us,” she said, adding that her connection to Akwa Ibom was divine. “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 fulfill my purpose here.”
Governor Eno concluded the visit with prayers, thanking God for the impactful life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai and asking for divine comfort and strength for the family.
“Lord, let the homegoing of your servant bring greater glory to Your name,” the Governor prayed.
