Nation
Methodist faithfuls, others celebrate the transition of Dr Udeme Nana’s father

Torrents of Tributes poured in as the remains of an iconic Evangelist, late Etim Nana Akpan MOW, JP, father of a public intellectual, Dr. Udeme Nana was laid to rest at Mbiabong Ikot Etim in Ini LGA on Saturday.
He was aged 91.
The funeral service conducted by the Methodist Church Nigeria Mbiabong Circuit, Diocese of Ini-Abasi at Government Primary School Mbiabong Ikot Etim, Ini LGA was attended by the Leadership of the Church from all over Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring States.
As a highly respected Evangelist of the Methodist faith, many eminent personalities across the country sent in messages to convey respects to the departed distinguished father of faith.
The Archbishop of Uyo , The Most Rev. John E. Koko Bassey in his condolence message said, during Evangelist Etim Nana’s religious sojourn to Ikpe Anang Circuit as Presbyter, the Circuit witnessed a new lease of life. He rendered service to the people with commitment, love and the fear of God. He noted that, as an Evangelist who worked with him, he noted that Evangelist Etim Nana was not an assuming personality and never treated his vocation with levity.
His words ‘his support to my ministry was second to none at the time. At some points of my ministry, Evangelist Etim Nana became a father to me, as such, I cannot forget him in a hurry, the peaceful working and cordial relationship I enjoyed while working with him. His ministry to the people was impactful, people oriented and purpose driven. He was a man who placed God at the centre and heaven at his focus.
The Archdiocese of Ikot Ekpene, the Most Rev. Dr. Etim U. Ekong JP, observed that Evangelist Etim Nana’s service to God and humanity took him to so many stations in Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State. He described the late Evangelist as a Pastor per excellence who left a good legacy in the Church and society.
In his condolence message, His Grace the Most Rev. Sunday B. Uko, Archbishop Emeritus posited that Evangelist Etim Nana’s ministry was in fulfillment of St. Paul’s command to preach in season and out of season as recorded in 2 Timothy 4:1-2, explaining that his missionary journey took the late Evangelist to several places, where he served faithfully to the glory of God.
The condolence message from Archdiocese of Calabar signed by the Archbishop, the Most Rev. Chimezuo O. N. Nwankpa JP described Evangelist Etim Nana as a colossus, pragmatic leader and a true Evangelist, quintessential, excellent full of integrity, saying that these qualities made him first among equals both in the Church and society.
The Rt. Rev. Godwin Esio Diocesan Bishop, Diocese of Ikom in his condolence message said it was on record that the late Evangelist served meritoriously at Methodist Church Nigeria, 32 Obudu Road, Ikom Four Corners, Cross River State now Ikom Circuit Headquarters and Wesley Cathedral, Ikom Diocesan Headquarters. In appreciation of his outstanding service to the development of the Circuit, he was honoured on December 8, 2002, as THE PILLAR OF IKOM CIRCUIT.
The Diocesan Bishop of Ini-Abasi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Victor Eyo Effiom noted in his message that the late Evangelist was a man who was an asset to the Church. ‘He was a great leader, a teacher of the word and a preacher, a bridge builder for the society and the church describing him as a great Revivalist who contributed to the establishment of many Churches.
From Diocese of Adadia, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Ekereobong Moses described the late Evangelist Etim Nana as a disciplinarian, with a worthy character whose exit has created a vacuum. “He is irreplaceable”, the Bishop noted.
The Bishop , Diocese of Essien Udim Rt. Rev. Michael J. Akpan JP in his condolence message wrote that from the service records of the late Evangelist Nana, he was a great missionary of repute, a Church planter and builder, a media Evangelist, teacher, community leader and builder. He said his good works, character and reputation earned him so many laurels and awards of honour: ETI OWO ABASI, MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF WESLEYS MOW, an award by conference of Methodist Church Nigeria to mark his outstanding contributions in Missionary work to the nation.
Also in his condolence message, the Bishop of Ikot Abasi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Usen Sunday Akpanenua said, it was noteworthy that the late Evangelist of the Methodist faith was a well known seasoned preacher, accomplished and highly respected servant of the Most High God who worked in so many stations including MCN Ikom where he, incidentally, had succeeded According to Akpanenua, ‘to the glory of God and to his credit, MCN Ikom has since grown, developed and metamorphosed from a local church to a Diocese as it is today’. This he, wrote, was as a result of the strong and solid foundation which the late Evangelist laid.
From Ikono Diocese of the Methodist Church, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Simeon U. U. Ekpo said the memory of late Evangelist Nana and his legacies will forever be remembered in the hearts of many.
In a letter of condolence, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Arc (Obong) Victor Attah said the passing of Evangelist Etim Nana at 91 years is a celebration of life well spent. He described him as a man who had spent most of his adult life fulfilling the biblical injunction to go out and preach the gospel to all nations. Noting that, in carrying out this assignment, like the Apostle Paul, he had suffered great tribulations including two ship wrecks. He pointed that though his official title was Evangelist, he is aware that the late Nana had also been designated as Pastor, Prophet, Teacher and Apostle and admonished the family to be consoled by the fact that their late father as a faithful servant of God has an unhindered passage into God’s kingdom.
Others who celebrated the life and times of the late Evangelist included Trustee of the Methodist Church, Sir Sunday Udo Akpan KJW, Oku Ibom Ibibio/ President General, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin(Dr) Solomon D. Etuk, Ntisong the IV, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Ntisong Pius James Okon, The Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Senator Ekong Sampson, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah.
Others are: Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Almond Bob, the member representing Ini State Constituency AKHA, Hon(DCN) Lawrence Udoide JP, a foremost Journalist and one time Editor-in-Chief News Watch Magazine, Ray Ekpu among other personalities too numerous to mention.
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