Buhari, others eulogize Udom’s late father
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for the legacy left behind by his late father, Elder Gabriel Nkanang, who died at age of 90 years
President Buhari, who was represented by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo last Saturday at the funeral service of late Nkanang, said the deceased left behind the blessings of a thousand generations.
Speaking in Awa, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, Buhari said because the deceased served God during his lifetime and died as a Christian, leaving behind an inheritance for his children.
Referring to the Holy Bible, the President stated that inheritance is not money, property or wealth, but the blessings that would last for a thousand generations.
He explained that the late Nkanang would indeed, rest in peace as a result of his works on earth, noting that only the deeds of a person while alive would determine whether they rest in peace or not.
Buhari commended Gov. Udom on the blessings his father left behind saying that, “papa was in his life time a legendary teacher and headmaster, who taught and mentored thousands of students, many of whom are here today to celebrate his life and time.
“But, his greatest legacy will be the faithful and prolific spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Qua Iboe Church. Through the great work that he did, it was clear to all that not only was he a teacher and a mentor of men, but also a leader and father to so many.
“At a funeral service such as this, one of the prayers is that may the soul of the departed rest in peace. But, for many who are familiar with Christian theology, you would agree with me that the prayer is medicine after death.
“The truth of the matter is that men and women rest in peace depending on what they do before they died and we know that Elder Nkanang not only served and loved the Lord Jesus Christ while he was here, and accepted him as Lord and Saviour, but he also propagated the gospel. So the confidence is that today, he is also resting in peace.
“I say to the children of Pa Nkanang led by the Governor of Akwa Ibom state that you are very fortunate indeed. The scripture says in Deuteronomy 7:9 that know the Lord your God, who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations.
Because your father loved God and kept his commandments, there is a promise of blessings for a thousand generations.”
Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekitit state, who spoke on behalf of the state governors, said the gathering was a celebration of life.
He observed that the gathering was not to mourn the deceased, but to celebrate a father who reared great children and spent his life well.
Speaking, Gov. Udom Emmanuel said the ceremony was a bridge building one because of the calibre of people that came to the occasion.
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He said though his father was not a rich man, he was caring and a man of character, adding that he was thankful to God that he has honoured his father.
Gov. Udom observed that there are different kinds of fathers, but noted that though all other fathers can be represented, it’s only a biological father that cannot be duplicated and appreciated all dignitaries across all strata of life who attended the funeral service.
