NCGF ex-president, Prof. Charles Adisa passes on

By Adeze Ojukwu

Immediate past president of the Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship (NCGF), Prof. Charles Adisa is dead.

He was a professor of Surgery at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), as well as a missionary.

In a statement made available, Saturday, the organization’s National President, Prof. Chuks Eboka, described the demise as a huge loss to the Fellowship and the Christian community as a whole.

“The exit of Professor Adisa is a great loss, not only to his family, but to the Church and the nation. The Fellowship is thankful to God for his enduring legacies,” the statement said.

Prof Eboka said late Adisa, who was the immediate past national president of the Fellowship, died at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu on Monday, 28th December, 2020.

The statement reads:

‘With pain in our hearts, but with gratitude to the Almighty God for the grace of a fulfilled life, the National Executive Committee, on behalf of Council and Members of the Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship (NCGF) worldwide, announces the death of Professor Charles Adeyinka Adisa.’

‘As a member of NCGF, Prof. Charles Adisa served as President of Aba Chapter between 2004-2008 and Chairman of Aba Zone (made up of the South East States) from 2009-2012. He was elected National President in August 2016 for a single three-year tenure, but was given an unprecedented one-year extension on account of his exemplary performance and the consolidation of some of the activities of his executive. He handed over successfully in August 2020.’

‘His tenure as National President brought more dynamism, visibility and recognition to the Fellowship. Under him, NCGF became a strong voice in the nation’s politics and governance and a dependable partner with the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) in the handling of critical national issues.’

‘He was a member, Board of Trustees of the Africa Vision Tract House Society(AVTHS), which is the Missionary arm of NCGF.’

‘He was also a member, Board of Directors, Great Africa Vision Printing Press Limited and the NCGF medical committee, through which total medical care is provided freely for communities.’

‘Prof. Adisa, who was born on the 5th of January, 1965, studied Medicine and Surgery at Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan.’

‘He was a distinguished Consultant Surgeon, member of several professional bodies, widely-published researcher with interest in Oncology and Professor of Surgery at the Abia State University/Abia State University Teaching Hospital(ABSU), where he served as Dean of Medicine and Head of the Department of Surgery.’

He led and participated in several free programmes in Nigeria and Africa, including Sierra Leone.

He is survived by his wife, Chizoba, children, father, relations and numerous Christian brothers and sisters.

Meanwhile, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, in a statement commiserated with the family, colleagues, friends, relatives, NCGF and Think Tank for the Body of Christ.

‘It was one death too many because nobody expected such a God’s General to depart from the scene when his contributions are still highly needed. Prof Adisa used his influence and position to speak for the Church in the country.’

‘We cannot forget their contributions during the agitation for the restoration of Christian Religious Knowledge back to the public schools, CAN’s position on the controversial Ruga Settlements, Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and lopsided appointments.’

‘Our consolation is that, for Christians, to die is gain. He served the Kingdom to the end and he has gone to his rewards,’ Ayokunle said.

Several doctors have also expressed shock over Adisa’s demise, saying he was an excellent surgeon.