By Terese Tse
The remains of a servant of God, Evangelist, Revivalist and Author, Rev. Vitalis Akaha Igbudu, were recently, interred at his ancestral home, Tse-Igbudu, Dyako, Mbaav, Mbabier, Shangev-ya in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State according to Christians rites.
Rev. Igbudu, who died at the age of 69 was one of the early preachers in the advancement of Pentecostal revival in Benue State. He laboured alongside Ministers like, late Rev. John Ornguze, late Rev. Dr. Ikyernum, late Arch Bishop Pius Dyegeh, among other Ministers and Christian brethren.
With over 40 years in the faith, the late Rev. Igbudu was the founding president, Gospel of the Kingdom Ministries, a Bible teacher, an Evangelist who authored so many Christian books including: ‘Faith Boiling Point’, ‘God’s Creative Faith’, ‘Digging out the Root of Satan on your land’ and ‘Gates into Abundant Life in Christ’. Also unpublished are: ‘A biography of Tor Tiv (V)’, ‘A Transformation Leader’, ‘Possess the Kingdom’ and several others.
The officiating minister at the funeral and senior Pastor of Fruit of Calvary Gospel Mission, Makurdi, Rev. Dr. Henry I. Ojo in his homily, said Rev. Igbudu died a good man and urged sympathizers to rather use his death as a time for sober reflection and amend their ways.
“The meeting should not just be about sharing testimonies, but instead a preparation for our callings. May God deliver us from pride and lust of the eyes to be part of the resurrection”, he stressed.
In their funeral orations, representatives of groups and individuals including: Mr. Alexander Iorkohol Igbudu, who spoke on behalf of the Igbudu family; the eldest man in the extended family, Elder Isah Dyako represented by Elder John Dyako spoke for the extended family; President, Association of ministers’ widows, Rev. (Mrs) Hanah N. Ikyernum for friends and PFN; Mr. Joseph Kajo, for Shangev-ya, Mr Stephen Gber, a relation and friend of the family, a nephew of the deceased, Mr. Francis Azor Nyinbee among others outpoured encomiums on the deceased and consoled his family.
The seasoned Evangelist who died at the Bishop Murray Medical Centre, Makurdi on Tuesday, 12th of September after a protracted illness left behind a wife, four children and grandchildren among whom is Faith Igbudu, a staff of Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation, publishers of The Voice Newspapers, Makurdi.
