President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness at the deaths of international evangelist, leader of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu.
Dr Ukpai, born in Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State died, aged 80, while Ambassador (Professor) Ogwu, who represented Nigeria at the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017 and served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) passed away at the age of 79.
In two different condolence messages, President Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of the two departed great Nigerians and commiserated with their families, friends and associates.
In a message he personally endorsed, the President said “With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai. Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
He said further that “Evangelist Ukpai went through his paces, enduring challenges while passing through school. But God had his purpose well defined. He obeyed the divine call and impacted generations with his ministry.
“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand.
I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact.
“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes.
“He was also a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.
“Dr Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
“I pray that God Almighty grant him eternal rest.
“I commiserate with his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and his children, as well as members of his ministry. I encourage them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God.”
In his message, by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu described Professor Joy Ogwu as a skilled diplomat and scholar who “made invaluable contributions to developing Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations scholarship.”
He recalled that Professor Ogwu presided over the UN Security Council twice, first in July 2010 and again in October 2011 with “inspiring dedication and skill, … projecting Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and working tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.”
He extended his heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s five children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, the entire Ogwu family, and the diplomatic and academic community, stressing that ”Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work.”
President Tinubu also prayed for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who mourn her.
