Following the passing of Evang. Etim Nana Akpan, a revered figure in Akwa Ibom’s and Cross River’s religious and journalistic circles at the age of 91, heartfelt condolences have poured in from various organizations and individuals who were touched by his life and service.
Pa Etim Nana Akpan, a devoted Evangelist with the Methodist Church Nigeria and Member of the Order of Wesley (MOW), was the father of a renowned academic and journalism icon, Dr Udeme Nana.
In his condolence letter addressed to Dr Nana, Dr Ray Ekpu, a prominent figure in the media industry, fondly remembered Evang. Etim N. Akpan as a dedicated Methodist missionary who played a crucial role in spreading the gospel in communities across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Ekpu, an international editor awardee, highlighted Akpan’s groundbreaking efforts in print media evangelism and described him as a true man of God and a beacon of authentic evangelism.
A part of Ekpu’s message reads, “He pioneered print media evangelism by spreading the word in his weekly column in the Sunday Chronicle.
“In this era of commercialization 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.”
Also, Premium Times, through her Chief Operating Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Musikilu Mujeed, expressed deep sadness at the passing of Pa Nana, acknowledging his legacy of love, wisdom, and service.
The letter emphasized the profound impact of Pa Nana’s teachings and principles on his children, particularly Dr Nana, who is one of their ombudsman, highlighting his role in shaping ethical and educational values.
On his part, Dare Oluwatuyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, praised Akpan as a reliable mediator and church builder whose wealth of experience in evangelism was invaluable to younger Christians.
“His multifaceted roles as an evangelist, pastor, prophet, teacher, and apostle underscored the depth of his contributions to the religious community”, the condolence message reads.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, through its Akwa Ibom State Chapter, recognized 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 Udeme Nana, acknowledging the impact and legacy of his father’s evangelistic 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 E. N. Akpan to guiding souls towards salvation.
The Union commended his dedication and sense of purpose throughout his 91 years of life and asked God to grant him an eternal repose in Abraham’s bosom.
In a burial arrangement issued by Dr Udeme Nana and family, the late Evangelist Etim Nana Akpan will be laid to rest in his family compound at 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.
The family invites, the Methodist Church, family, community, friends and associates to join them in paying last respect to the departed patriarch.
