Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has advised Christian clerics to imitate the ministry of the late international evangelist, Rev. (Dr) Uma Ukpai, who took the gospel of Christ beyond state capitals to remote communities.

Diri said the late Ukpai distinguished himself among preachers for propagating the Christian faith in many rural communities and outside urban areas across Nigeria.

The governor, who paid tribute to the popular minister during a condolence visit to his family in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, said Ukpai finished his course on earth and that God called him home.

He recalled the late preacher’s several visits to Bayelsa communities and how he was a blessing to the state during state programmes.

He said: “Our late Papa Ukpai impacted so many lives through his evangelism and messages. He was a man who went into the interior and villages of our state to preach. He did not confine his preaching to only state capitals.

“If men of God can emulate our Papa, I am sure Christianity will be more planted than only coming to cities like Abuja, Lagos, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Benin City and others, and many lives will be won to Christ.

“I agree that coming to cities is important because of their population but there is still more work to be done in the interior and villages of our states, particularly in areas where there is a resurgence of idol worship.

“This was what Papa Ukpai stood for. For me, his funeral will be a celebration of life, and if we have the dates, we will make ourselves available.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Bayelsa State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and family members.”

Responding, his wife, Pastor Philomina Ukpai, appreciated the governor and his entourage for the visit.

Ukpai said she looked forward to it because of the long-standing relationship between her husband, his family and the governor.