The Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, on Thursday held a State burial service in honour of the late renowned evangelist, Reverend Uma Ukpai, who died at the age of 80.
Bellnews reports that former Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, attended the event, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
The State burial service also attracted many other dignitaries, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Mbata, among others.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti urged the people to live a good life so they would be remembered for good, stressing that Uma Ukpai did not die but only transited, as his legacies would remain indelible.
He also urged the people of Abia and Akwa Ibom, and the entire Christian faith, not to mourn but to live lives worthy of emulation.
Also speaking, Governor Eno, represented by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, described the late Uma Ukpai as a visionary who raised a good generation of people.
In his sermon, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said that the late Uma Ukpai did not serve money but worked for God and humanity.