From TCNEWS
It was celebration of a life well lived as friends, associates and people of Okoko-Item in Bende L.G.A, relieved their individual encounters with the late Engr. Chief Uche Joseph Ukpabi, FNSE, MNI at the Service of Songs and evening of tributes held in his honour in Umuahia, Abia State capital.
Engr. Ukpabi, an indigene of Okoko Item and also a recipient of Okoko Item Grand Outstanding Achievement Award, and the pioneer Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE Umuahia branch died at the age of 85 (1939 – 2024).
The event, which took place at the conference hall, Hotel Royal Damgrete, on Wednesday was part of the funeral arrangements for the late member of AANI (Alumni Association of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies).
Notable among Organizations and dignitaries who gathered at the service of songs conducted by the Methodist Theological Institute, MTI chaplaincy were the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the AANI led by the Abia State chapter chairman, Chief Mrs Love Ezema, who also read the tribute sent by the National President; the Body of Retired Permanent Secretaries, former Secretary to the Abia State Government and also former Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, Prof. Chibuzo Ogbuagu; Prof. David Nwokocha; Chief Hope Onyekwere, former chairmen of NSE Umuahia branch,Engr, Richard Onyenso, FNSE; Engr.(Chief ) Owoh Eleke; Engr. Victor Ihediwa, FNSE; Engr. Nelson Onwuka, among others.
Making a tribute to the late Engr. Ukpabi on behalf of NSE Umuahia branch, Engr. Richard Onyeaso, former chairman of the branch, flanked by Engr. Enyinnaya Romanus, Chairman of the Branch among other executive members of the Society, who narrated the strides recorded by the deceased in the field of engineering and the NSE, disclosed that the late Ukpabi’s efforts led to the establishment of COREN in Umuahia.
He pointed out that the deceased did not only fought a good fight but left a landmark that would be remembered.
According to him, NSE Umuahia branch has every reason to be proud of late Engr. Ukpabi and to celebrate him.
In a tribute also, High Chief Onwukwo Okoronkwo Onwukwo, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Okoko Item Worldwide Forum, described the deceased as a pacesetter, torchbearer, an inspiring soul that radiated love and hope, a trailblazer, a role model and a kind reputation of decency.
Also in his tribute, Comrade Ogbonnaya Iheaka, Steward of MTI chaplaincy described the late Engr. Ukpabi as a consummate Methodist family, a great member of Rhema chapel, who in spite of his old age, was always coming to church with his wife.
He further described him as a visionary leader who was passionate about things concerning God.
The Bishop of Umuahia East Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria The Rt. Rev. Ikechukwu Emezi Nkulo in his homily captioned “Take Courage”, with text drawn from the Bible book of Isaiah chapter 41 verse 6, reminded the gathering that what they owe the bereaved family are courageous words with sincere hearts, to help multiply their joy.
Pix: R-L: NSE Umuahia branch chairman, Engr. Enyinnaya Romanus and former chairman, Engr. Nelson Onwuka, during the service of songs in honour of the late Engr. Uche Ukpabi.
The Bible lessons were taken from the books of Psalm chapter 121; Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verses 1 to 4; Romans chapter 14 verses 7 to 9; and John chapter 11 verses 40 to 44.