Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described late William Okoye as a statesman of faith and fearless voice of truth.
Mr Obasanjo stated this in a tribute read by Godwin Isaac, a bishop, at the Night of Tributes for Mr Okoye, held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Friday.
Mr Okoye, former general overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM), was also a former chaplain of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel.
Mr Obasanjo said Mr Okoye’s death had created a monumental void across the nation, recalling their close working relationship between 1999 and 2007.
He said the deceased, who served as his chaplain, provided wisdom and guidance during high-pressure situations, beyond his spiritual responsibilities.
“As my chaplain, he was a steady, fearless, and uncompromising voice of truth,” Mr Obasanjo said.
He said Mr Okoye understood that genuine gospel ministry must address the material realities confronting the people.
The former Nigerian leader recalled that the late clergyman served on the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs and represented the FCT at the National Political Reform Conference.
He also served on the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and held leadership positions in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Mr Obasanjo said Mr Okoye served as chairman of CAN and PFN in Abuja, while also serving as CAN National Director on National Issues.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan said he met Mr Okoye while serving as governor of Bayelsa State and worshipping at the Aso Rock Villa Chapel.
Mr Jonathan who was represented by John Opara, former executive secretary of Nigerian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC)
recalled that Mr Okoye was then deputy chaplain to Yusufu Obaje and later served as chaplain during the Jonathan presidency.
He said Mr Okoye eventually requested to leave the Villa Chapel and recommended Obioma Onwuzurumba as his successor, alongside John Oyelade, an archbishop.
“Nigeria will miss you. Your family will miss you. The church will miss you. You stood for integrity,” Mr Jonathan said.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, described Mr Okoye as a pioneer of Nigeria Prays and praised his leadership, integrity, humility and commitment.
Mr Gowon, a retired general, who was unable to attend physically because of a trip to the United Kingdom, delivered his tribute virtually.
He said Mr Okoye’s memory would remain evergreen, recalling his support for the Nigeria Prays movement since its inception in 1996.
Victor Umeh, the Anambra Central Senator, who represented the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described Mr Okoye as a brother from the same local government area in Anambra State.
Mr Umeh said Mr Okoye prayed for peace during Anambra’s political crisis and worked to promote stability in the state.
Toyin Okoye, a pastor and wife of the deceased, thanked God for her husband’s life, describing him affectionately as “Mine.”
ALSO READ: Former Aso Villa chaplain, William Okoye, is dead, CAN mourns
She said Mr Okoye told doctors at the hospital that he was not afraid of death and appreciated those who prayed for and visited them.
She particularly acknowledged the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, and other Christian leaders who supported the family during the period.
“Your life of integrity touched lives, including my own life.
“You have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith,” she said.
Paul Enenche, founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, said Mr Okoye was passionate about Nigeria’s spiritual and physical wellbeing.
Mr Enenche said the deceased believed God would raise Christians who would contribute significantly to the transformation of Nigeria.
The President of CAN, Daniel Okoh, an archbishop, described Mr Okoye as a preacher, trainer and mentor who dedicated his life to God and humanity.
Mr Okoh quoted Psalm 116:15 and John 11:25, saying Christians did not mourn as those without hope.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Victor Okoye said, since his father’s passing, the family had heard countless stories of his compassion.
He said his father may not have left great material wealth, but left an enduring legacy of a good name, values and kindness that money cannot buy, which they would carry forward.
NAN reports that Wale Oke, the PFN national president, led prayers for the family and the church the deceased left behind.
Mr Okoye is survived by his wife, six children, and nine grandchildren, including Victor Okoye, a journalist with NAN and the entire ACFM family.
(NAN)
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