By Chimezie Anaso
The remains of Rev Dr William Okoye, the former chaplain of Aso Rock Villa was on Friday laid to rest in his country home Amatutu, Agulu in Anambra
Delivering the funeral sermon at St Peter’s Anglican Church field, Agulu, Archbishop Wale Oke, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, said Okoye was a detribalised Nigerian who lived a simple life.
Oke said Okoye, who served the nation alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo honoured God in accordance with 1 Samuel Chapter 2 verse 30 and John Chapter 17 verse 4.
“Okoye glorified the Lord on earth and finished the work he was assigned to do; he served as Chaplain of Aso Villa for two sitting presidents and did not soil his hands, reputation or integrity because he was a man of truth.
“The late minister of God put his faith in the blood of Christ and left great legacies that would never die.
“As an authentic servant of God who touched lives and influenced people’s way of life through his lifestyle and service to God, Okoye was not just a preacher but a man who gave God his heart,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, Mr Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra and hailed from Amatutu village, said Okoye was an uncle who led his life in service of God and humanity.
Obi, who is the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said Okoye never approached him as a governor for any benefit as Anambra governor even when he had access to do so.
He appreciated the dignitaries from across the country for honouring the ‘Man of God’ on the occasion of his burial and funeral.
Also speaking, Bishop Paul Nwachukwu of the Grace of God Mission, described Okoye as a man who recognised his calling early enough and pushed it with zeal.
Nwachukwu sent words of appreciation to Pastor Seyi Malomo, the successor of late Okoye and representative of former Vice President, Yemi Osibajo for honouring the event.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Pastor Emmanuel Okoye, the first son of the deceased, said his father was a great asset to the family, Christianity and the world.
He said the man left them with many virtues that they would live with, adding that he would sorely be missed.
Other personalities present or represented on the occasion included Gen. Yakubu Gowon, convener of Nigeria Prays, Sen. Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Senatorial District, Dr Eric Okoye, MD Juhel Pharmaceutical Industry among others.
Okoye was also the father of Victor Okoye, a staff member of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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