Aniekan Udoiyak: The Earthly Voyage of an Heaven-bound Apostle
Death remains an inevitable end to every living being on earth. For some, death comes at old age, others fall to it in their prime, but ultimately it is a phenomenon no man can fathom or explain.
To those who lived a fulfilled life while on earth, their death are often celebrated than mourned and their achievements highlighted for people to learn from. Such could be said of late Apostle Aniekan Otumo Udoiyak.
Born on the 28th of August, 1960 to late Overseer Otumo Udoiyak and Madam Nwa Otumo Udoiyak both in Uruk Uso village, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, like the biblical David, late Aniekan Udoiyak was a great child, chosen and blessed by God to be a shinning light and pathfinder to many.
Hongkong Udo, as Aniekan Udoiyak was popularly called, was nursed and nurtured by his philosophy of life which was to “Live and be a man of valour” . With this conviction, he was a fearless and courageous within his family circle to the Church, and the community at large.
He started his elementary education at the age of six (6) at Primary School No 1 Ikot Ekpene, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) with merit in 1972, and later moved to Secondary Commercial School, Oku-Iboku from 1973-1977 and obtained Division One, then West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 1977.
Ekamba-Ette laboured as a house teacher and with loans he got from individuals which he later paid, he was able to push himself to Higher Institution.
Drawing inspiration often from Malcon X thus’ quote: “any man who is educated has a passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”, late Apostle Aniekan Udoiyak enrolled in then – College of Education, now University of Uyo from 1978-1982 and obtained NCE in Geography & Religious Studies. He was also awarded Cardinal Ekanem’s best graduating student in Religious Study Department on his graduation day.
He later gained admission into the University of Calabar from 1985 – 1988 where he obtained a Bachelors’ degree in Education with second class upper’ division and emerged the department’s best graduating student.
His curiosity and quest for intellectualism propelled him to the Common Wealth University, United Kingdom where he wrapped up his educational pedigree with Master’s, and a Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Management in 2016.
Ekamba-Ette embraced teaching as a profession hence was employed by the State Education Board, Uyo. He worked for 25 years and voluntarily retired in 2012 from service as a Deputy Zonal Director of Education, Obot Akara Local Education Committee.
His journey to the clerical world was both divine and fateful. Born into an Apostolic family, the late Aniekan Udoiyak became a chorister in his early years as a young Christian as well as a Witness Leader. His dedication and commitment in church made him a role model to his peers and caught the attention of elders both in church and the community.
After getting employment with ExxonMobil and dusting up his shoes to resume work, the charismatic late Aniekan Udoiyak equally got a divine call to serve God as a Pastor all in July, 1994. His call did not go down well with many who felt a job at ExxonMobil was more profitable than donning a pastoral robe.
This dilemmatic situation compelled late Apostle Aniekan Udoiyak ‘s family to approach then District pastor, Late Pastor Umondak to know who recommended their son to pastoral work and why, as he never applied to become a pastor or went to a Bible Training College.
However, when the attention of the Area Superintendent, Late Apostle Esu was drawn to the development, the man of God simply retorted, “Ette-Udoiyak, reject silver from Mobil but accept this call and take it as Gold. I am aware that you have an appointment from Mobil, this call came from God and not me, he called you to serve him, so please do justice to this noble call”.
Ekamba-Ette was convinced to accept this call with the help of late Pastor E. E. Okon, the then National President and other pastors who trooped in to talk to his late father, Overseer Otumo Udoiyak. He finally accepted the pastoral work and was posted to his first station which was Nto Eton District under Ikot Abia Idem Area.
Late Pastor Aniekan Udoiyak soon developed great zeal and devotion in the service of God. He committed his life, time and resources to God’s service with unwavering passion, selflessness and grace.
As a man called by God and with the unction to function, it did not take long to reach the zenith of his calling. He was called and ordained as an Apostle in the body of Christ in 2007 and later took over as the second Field Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Ikot Ekpene.
Destined for the top, late Aniekan Udoiyak became the pioneer Chairman of The Apostolic Church, Akwa Ibom State Territory. He served the church meritoriously as member of the National Executive Committee of the Church while also chairing the Finance Committee at the national level.
The late Aniekan Udoiyak while alive affected many lives in his community and the church. He preached and promoted education, and gave scholarships to many poor and less-privileged children to acquire education in secondary and tertiary institutions.
Ete’s life was an inspiration to church faithful and all who knew him. His infectious good humour, abiding faith in God, care and concern for all will be greatly missed. Ete’s life was fraught with legacy of uprightness, humility, good morals. His passion and zeal to raise the banner of Christ on earth was unparalleled.
He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
As his remains is laid to rest tomorrow, it can be said that though he lived for only 60 years, he lived a fulfilled, inspiring and productive life, climaxed with most peaceful transition. Dead or alive, it makes no difference, for when Ete was alive, ” God was with him. Now that he is dead, he is with God”.
Fare thee well, our father.
