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Okowa and Uduaghan at Apena funeral
Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, described the late founder of Bethesda Gospel Mission International, Archbishop Christian Apena as a man who lived a worthy life and a great gift to his generation.
Okowa who stated this at the funeral of the renowned cleric held at Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, said that Archbishop Apena mentored a lot of Christians as first Isoko Bishop whose father was, also, the first Isoko pastor.
He urged the children of the deceased cleric to continue with the legacies their father bequeathed to them.
According to him, the late Archbishop Apena lived a good Christian and worthy life “and l recall at his age, he paid me a condolence visit at Owa-Alero when my father died. I am glad I was able to attend his funeral today.
“He was indeed a true father in the Lord and with his departure, l urge all of us to examine our lives in such a manner that will please God.
“His death calls for self-introspection and as the first Bishop and first Archbishop in Isoko land, he was a great teacher of the Gospel and a role model to many pastors.”
To the children of the deceased, Okowa said, “Your father made a great impact and I challenge you to continue with his legacies because he has touched the lives of Isoko people in many ways.
“We thank God for the worthy life of our departed father and it is our prayer that God will grant you all the fortitude to bear his loss,” he stated.
In a sermon, Bishop John Odiete said the death of a Christian brings joy to heaven while the exit of a sinner displeases God.
He reminded every living being of the need to maintain cordial relationship with God so as to have a place in heaven emphasizing that death is inevitable and that anyone that dies in sin will go to hell.
While saying that Archbishop Apena lived a fulfilled life following his exploits for Christ while on earth, he said the best way to work for God was to live in righteousness on daily basis.
The funeral was attended by eminent Deltans including immediate past Governor of the State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Senator Stella Omu; PDP candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency, Pastor Jonathan Ukodhiko; Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Ferguson Onwo; DESOPADEC MD, Bashorun Askia Ogieh and Amb. Emmanuel Omoefe among others.
