By Philomina Attah
National figures, religious leaders, and grieving family members gathered in Abuja on Wednesday to begin funeral rites for Rev. Dr. William Okoye, who passed away aged 74.
The founding General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM) Worldwide was honoured during a solemn Lying in State and Service of Songs at the Church’s Maitama headquarters.
Former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana paid emotional tribute to the late Cleric, highlighting his unwavering devotion to the Christian gospel and his profound influence on national governance.
”He was never ashamed of the Gospel because for him it is the power of God for salvation.
“He proclaimed it very clearly, firmly, and convincingly,” Gana said.
Gana recalled working alongside Okoye as a spiritual advisor under the presidential administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, emphasising his absolute fearlessness before leaders.
”Every morning at 6 a.m., he would pick me for prayer with the president. He was ready to speak truth to power. Nigeria has lost a giant,” Gana added.
Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, reflected fondly on Okoye’s pioneering role during the early days of the Federal Capital Territory’s development.
”When he started here to gather people in Abuja to pray on Sundays, there were no churches here. People in Lagos thought the new capital was not serious,” Onaiyekan recalled.
The Cardinal noted that what began as a humble fellowship grew into a massive global movement through Okoye’s vision and commitment to community building.
”What I remember him for is somebody who sees a need and does something to fill it.
“That little seed planted has now grown into a big tree,” Onaiyekan stated.
Rev. Moses Aransiola, National Director of Nigeria Prays, praised the late clergyman for prioritising moral integrity over personal gain throughout his 52-year ministry.
”He did not value material things above integrity, commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness.
“To be a pastor to two sitting presidents is a real opportunity God gave him,” he said
Aransiola urged Nigerians to emulate Okoye’s steadfast character, noting that he lived an uncompromised life that earned him national respect.
”When everybody is chasing after compromising their lives and integrity, God brought honour to Reverend Okoye easily. It pays to live a life of legacy,” he added.
In a joint tribute, the children of Okoye remembered him not only as a renowned public minister, but as a devoted, loving, and humorous father.
”Daddy lived his faith daily. We remember a busy man who still made time for his family, took us on vacations, and filled our home with laughter,” his children shared.
They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding their father’s principle: “Labour hard, consume little, give much, and all to Christ,” while guarding the family name.
”He may not have left us great material wealth, but he left us something far more enduring: his name, his faith, his values, and his example,” they added.
The family announced that Rev. Okoye’s vision would be preserved through the William and Helen Heritage Foundation, honouring both him and his late wife, Evangelist Helen Okoye.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the events continue in Abuja with a Night of Tributes on Oct. 2 at the National Christian Centre, before moving to Agulu, Anambra State, for interment on Oct. 9.
The deceased is survived by six children, nine grandchildren, including Mr Victor Okoye, a journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and the entire ACFM family.
Born in September 1951, the former Aso Villa Chapel Chaplain died on July 15, at the National Hospital in Abuja.
The Cleric will be buried on Oct. 9 in his country home, Amatutu Village, Agulu, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State, after a week-long funeral programme.(NAN)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
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