It was a mixture of tears and joy last Saturday, January 11, 2025 in the serene village of Ebem Onafia in Abia State as the remains of a renowned servant of God, Pastor Ikeckukwu Victor Mbah Ume, was interred in the community.
Aged 49, the Late Pastor Ume, until his transition to glory, discharged his ministerial duties in the Apostolic Church Nigeria, Aba, Word Chapel International church, Lagos, evergreen word, Lagos, and Treasure House Bible church, Lagos respectively.
In July 2011, he founded the Redemption Word International Ministry in South Africa but has to return home due to xenophobia in the country as at then.
The well-attended funeral service attracted renowned clergymen from far and near, the immediate family and his age grade in the community friends and sympathizers and while the community and family mourned the loss of their beloved one, the clerics were happy and satisfied that he has made heaven after his earthly toil.
Born on August 18, 1975, he attended Obiora Primary School in Aba and later proceeded to Wilcox memorial comprehensive secondary school, Aba where he wrote the West African Senior School Certificate.
The deceased thereafter entered the Trinity College of ministerial Arts, Aba where he obtained a diploma in Theology before he was ordained as a preacher in 1998.
Throughout his lifetime, Pastor Iyke as he was fondly called, showed unfettered love for the church of Jesus Christ without any discrimination and contributed immensely to the growth and ministry of many churches.
As a committed Christian, he was a member of the Christian council of Nigeria, Christian Association of Nigeria, Bible society of Nigeria, Abia state clergy forum, greater Ohafia for Christ and the scripture Union of Nigeria among others not forgetting his root.
The late servant of God was a member of the Akpankuma Age Grade in Ebem Ouafia as well as the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Lagos Branch.
To the glory of God, the pastor embraced eternity on Sunday, December 1, 2024 immediately after preaching during the end-of-year meeting of his Akpankuma Age Grade in Lagos.
He is survived by an aged mother, children, siblings and a host of other relations to mourn his untimely exit.
Officiants at the ceremony included Apostle Dele Johnson, Apostle wole Oladiyum, Apostle Fidelis Okorie, Apostle David Jelmark and Prophet Olubo.
Also were Pastor Eziekiel Adeleke Atayero, Reverend Felix Nwachukwu and Apolstle Henry Nwangwa among others.
A high-powered delegation from the Akwa United Football Club of Uyo also graced the occasion to sympathize with the elder brother of the deceased, Mr. Umeh Mba, who is the welfare officer of Enyimba Football club of Aba.
In the delegation was the secretary of the club, Mr. Omon Bassey, who also led the team.
Others included the welfare officer, Mr. Asuquo Etim Samuel, Pastor Edoho Amama and Evangelist Solomon Okpo.
