A prominent figure in the media industry,
Mr Ray Ekpu has condoled with Dr Udeme Nana over the passing of his father, Evangelist Etim Nana Akpan. The late Pa Etim Nana Akpan, who was a devoted Evangelist with the Methodist Church Nigeria and Member of the Order of Wesley (MOW), died at the age of 91.

In his condolence letter addressed to Dr Nana, Ekpu described the late Akpan as a dedicated Methodist missionary who played a crucial role in spreading the gospel in communities across Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.He highlighted Pa Akpan’s groundbreaking efforts in print media evangelism and described him as a true man of God and a beacon of authentic evangelism.

“Evangelist Akpan pioneered print media evangelism by spreading the gospel through his weekly column in the Sunday Chronicle. “In this era of commercialisation of anointing oil and elevation of prosperity preaching to an invidious status, he remained a true man of God, a dependable preacher of the gospel and a good shepherd,” the letter reads in part.

Also, Premium Times, through its Chief Operating Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Musikilu Mujeed, expressed sadness at the passing of Pa Nana, acknowledging his legacy of love, wisdom, and selfless service.

The letter emphasised the profound impact of Pa Nana’s teachings and principles on his children, particularly Dr Udeme Nana who is one of their Ombudsman.

It highlighted Dr Nana’s role in shaping ethical and educational values. On his part, Dare Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, praised Evangelist Akpan as a reliable mediator and church builder whose wealth of experience in evangelism was invaluable to younger Christians.

Also, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, through its Akwa Ibom State Chapter, recognised Akpan’s exemplary life as a soldier of Christ and offered prayers for his eternal rest.

The message endorsed by the Chapter Chairman and the Secretary, Manasseh Umoette and Anthony Udoh, conveyed solace and comfort to Dr Nana, acknowledging the impact and legacy of his father’s evangelism work.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, celebrated Etim Akpan’s remarkable life and significant contributions as a servant of God.

The Union, through a message by the Secretary, Comrade Dominic Akpan, acknowledged the commitment of the departed Pa Akpan to guiding souls towards salvation.

In a burial arrangement issued by Dr Udeme Nana on behalf of the family, the late Akpan will be laid to rest in Mbiabong Ikot Etim in Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after a funeral service, at the Government Primary School, Mbiabong Ikot Etim. The family invites the Methodist Church, family, community, friends and associates to join them in paying last respect to the departed patriarch.