The sleepy town of Ndon Eyo in ONNA Local Government Area came alive last Thursday, June 20 2024 as sympathisers from all walks of life gathered to bid final farewell to a legendary patriarch, Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott.
Leading the delegation of the cream de la cream of the society to honour the late servant of God, was the governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno,serving and former government officials including the chairman, Transition Committee for ONNA Local Government Area, Elder IniAbasi Ekanem, legal luminaries, the Academia, the Ecclesiastical, NULGE officials, the business class, traditional rulers as well as youth and women groups.
In a testimony by the son, Andy Johnson Ikott, late Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott was a great man of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, an evangelist who never missed any opportunity to preach Christ. “He was a Christian father who had no other god except Jesus. He gave us the light which is the word of God and as he departs this world the light is still shinning in our home”
In another testimony, Obong Uko Jeremiah Udo who spoke on behalf of the extended family described late Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott as a great teacher who taught many the power of faith in God. “Our late brother taught us four cardinal value to success vis a vis never depend on any one; be contented in life, tolerate one another and honesty”
The church, Deeper Life Bible Church, in their testimony said Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott was a spiritual decision maker with great determination who spearheaded evangelism in Ndon Eyo Community.
Ndon Eyo Community was not left out as the Village Head Elect, Chief (Hon) William Henshaw said the demise of Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott was a painful experience for the entire village.
“Your father was an ordained pastor per excellence who was so committed to souls convert, church planting and growth across the globe. We saw his light and follow the rays of his light” the Community mourned.
The Akwa Ibom state governor who was represented by the Honourary Special Adviser on religious Affairs, Rev. Ndueso Ekwere paid glowing tribute to the departed soldier of Christ and urged the family to sustain the legacies left behind by their late father.
In peep into the biography of late Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott as contained in the funeral programme, the deceased was born on the 15th day of December 1944. He started his academic journey at Qua Iboe Church Group School, Ndon Eyo for his primary education in 1950. In 1963, he was awarded the Royal Society of Arts Qualification (London) having completed his studies at Exelsior Commercial Institute, Aba.
z
Upon graduation, he worked as an Accountant at famous Atlantic Hotel in 1964 where he garnered useful experiences in Tourism and Hospitality industry. His work experience covers both the private and public sector including Elbong Hargbury Nig. co LTD, Seismograph Services Nig.Ltd, Nisco Services Limited, Ministry of Health and Akwa Ibom state Local Government Service Commission.
Having lost his father at a tender age, his mother, Late Mrs Alice Johnson Udo Ikott brought him up to imbibe discipline, integrity, hard work and above all the fear of God.
His journey on the ecclesiastical path started from his early days in Qua Iboe Church where as a young child he was a sanctuary cleaner, sword driller and blossomed when he encountered Christ and was transformed by the renewing of his mind through the power of the Holy Ghost as preached by the Assemblies of God church in 1975.
Between 1976 and 1977, he attended International Source of Light Schools, Akrasi where he obtained a diploma in Theology and Doctrine of Salvation. “This orientation excellently equipped him to exploit Christian Faith gallantly and victoriously in his ministries as a Church Pastor, Church Planter, Crusader, Evangelist and a Teacher of the Gospel of Emancipation.
Saturated by the power of his new birth experience, Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott spearheaded the establishment of Assemblies of God congregation in Ndon Eyo where he donated his land for its building, Okat, Ikot Edor, Ikot Akpatek, Ikot Annang, Abat before changing his denomination to Deeper Life Bible Church with strong Christian faith and dexterity in church planting in 1990.
As a soldier of the cross, he never slacked nor staggered in his devotion to God’s work and salvation of lost souls when he joined Deeper Life Bible Church.
Due to his extra ordinary show of dedication and commitment to the things of God and salvation of souls, Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott was appointed him pastor Ikot Akpatek church 1994-1996, Assistant Pastor Ndo Eyo church 1997-2000, Pastor Ikot Edim in Mkpat Enin 2001-2006 and Pastor Asong Church 2006-2008 where his missionary exploit transformed Asong till today.
Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott was a believer without any undertone in his faith in God. He believed in the efficacy of prayers and faith in God. Though in his Christian Life he traversed different denominations such as Qua Iboe Church, Baptist Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Assemblies of God and Deeper Life Bible Church, late Pastor Ufot Johnson Ikott was never a bench warmer but an active Christian who believed and depended on God and God alone.
Despite his spiritual belief and ecclesiastical standing he was a man of good positive mien, nice and jolly good fellow. He was a man of peace and peaceable in all dimensions, a generous giver. He was a good mixer and often advised for an amicable resolution of contending issues.
In a tribute to his father, Barr Akwaowo Ikott highlighted those attributes such as humour capable of restoring the weary mind a reason people always rallied around the deceased.
“You lived a life of integrity and taught same as a useful ingredients of congenial relationship in family and business setting” he wrote.
It was therefore not a surprise that many suspended their day’s activities for Thursday June 20, 2024 to pay a deserving respect to a man whose life was like a city built on a hill.
Adieu great teacher of faith, fare well a seasoned accountant and dedicated civil servant.
Written by Otobong Nsekpong
