The Abia State Government has held a state burial service in honour of the late Abia-born global evangelist, Rev Uma Ukpai, who died at the age of 80.

Speaking at the event held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, on Thursday, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, challenged people to live good lives so that they would be remembered positively after death.

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 thanked God for the life of the deceased and said the state honoured him in recognition of his contributions to Abia, Nigeria and the world.

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

Otti also commiserated with the family and urged them not to grieve without 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, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described Ukpai as a visionary.

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

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

In his sermon, PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, stressed the need for righteous living, saying the late Ukpai exemplified a life of holiness and dedication to the gospel.

In a vote of thanks, the first son of the deceased, Chidi Uma, appreciated the governor and other dignitaries for their support.

The state burial service attracted many dignitaries, including Bayelsa State Governor, Doye Diri, and his wife; the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; deputy governors; the wife of the former Governor of Edo State, Bassey Obaseki; members of the National Assembly; members of Abia and other state Houses of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata; and many clerics and traditional rulers led by Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah. (PUNCH)