Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Rev. William Okoye as a statesman of faith and fearless voice of truth.

Mr Obasanjo stated this in a tribute read by Bishop Godwin Isaac at the Night of Tributes for the late 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 created a monumental void across the nation, recalling their close working relationship between 1999 and 2007.

He said Mr Okoye, 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.

Mr Obasanjo recalled that Mr Okoye 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 the late Okoye served as Chairman of CAN and PFN in Abuja, while also serving as CAN National Director on National Issues.

Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan said he met the late Okoye while serving as Bayelsa State governor and worshipping at the Aso Rock Villa Chapel.

Mr Jonathan represented by a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Okpara, recalled that the late Okoye was then deputy chaplain to Rev. Obaje and later served as chaplain during Jonathan’s presidency.

He said Mr Okoye eventually requested to leave the Villa Chapel and  recommended Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba as his successor, alongside Archbishop John Oyelade.

“Nigeria will miss you. Your family will miss you. The church will miss you. You stood for integrity,” Mr Jonathan said.

In his tribute, Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), described Mr Okoye as a pioneer of Nigeria Prays and praised his leadership, integrity, humility and commitment.

Mr Gowon, 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.

Senator Victor Umeh, who represented Peter Obi, described Mr Okoye as a brother from the same local government area in Anambra State.

Mr Umeh said the late Okoye prayed for peace during Anambra’s political crisis and worked to promote stability in the state.

Wife of the deceased, Toyin Okoye, thanked God for her husband’s life, describing him affectionately as “Mine.”

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 Pastor 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.

Founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, said the late Okoye was passionate about Nigeria’s spiritual and physical wellbeing.

Mr Enenche said the late Okoye believed God would raise Christians who would contribute significantly to the transformation of Nigeria.

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, 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.

Archbishop Wale Oke 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 the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and the entire ACFM family. 

(NAN)