By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
Thousands of worshippers packed the Headquarters of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) a.k.a ( Faith Mansion) Ikot Ene-Obong 8 Miles Calabar, on Monday evening for a special service of songs, as preparations intensify for the March 27 funeral and interment of renowned international gospel preacher, Dr. Uma Ukpai.
Speaking at the ceremony, National Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) South-South Zone and founder of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Archbishop Emmah Gospel Isong, described late Dr. Uma Ukpai as a humble and generous man of God whose life and times shouldn’t be swept under the carpet but be emulated by young men and women who want to soar high in the vineyard of God.
Isong who said, Ukpai has left a big show that might be difficult to find a man that can step into such shoe.
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In exhortation, wife of Archbishop Dr. Emmah Gospel Isong, Bishop Magistrate Margaret Isong said, “Ukpai was a very humble and sincere man of God who was very generous.
“We, the CCCI members, benefited from him. There was a time that things were so difficult with us as we were building the church.
“He did not only sow for the building project, he also asked one of his sons in the Lord who also sowed for the building project.”
Explaining why the service of song for the God’s general was held at Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Isong said some persons residing in Calabar might not be able to attend the service of song and funeral service billed for March 27, 2026, at Ohafia, Abia State.
“Apart from that, CCCI Calabar was where the late gospel preacher held his last microphone to preach the word of God on September 14, 2025,” Isong added.
The PFN National Vice president further stated, “Beside that, he has been sowing to this church, preaching in the last 25 years. We used this service to remember God’s General.”
Isong maintained that Dr. Uma Ukpai’s legacy of humility, generosity, and dedication to God’s work should inspire Christians in Nigeria and preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to emulate his virtues so that they can impact on the society.
The service of song attracted members of CCCI and other PFN members from Rivers state and several gospel preachers from the Republic of Cameroon who gathered to pay tribute to the late gospel preacher.
Dr. Uma Ukpai’s contributions to the body of Christ and his impact on Christian Central Chapel International were celebrated as attendees reflected on his life and ministry.
