The remains of the late Engr. Abel Eregha Uti, a native of Kokodiagbene and Kunukunuma communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, who is often described by many who knew him during his lifetime as a "Man of Peace", was laid to rest in Kokodiagbene after a Christian funeral service on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Earlier, his remains was conveyed by families, friends and other sympathisers from the Ame Specialist Hospital morgue to the Miller Waterfront near NPA in Warri and then onward by boat to the coastal Kokodiagbene community.

The ceremony, which was officiated by the Christ Divine Mission Church International, Udu, as led by Pastor Smart Tunubo, also had in attendance other home-based church ministers in the community.

The brief ceremony featured singing of hymns, Bible readings, presentation of the biography and a testimony on the life of the deceased, a brief sermon, and prayers for the family members of the deceased.

While sharing his testimony, Chief (Elder) Paul Ukuli described the late Engr. Abel Eregha Uti thus: "Abel is a man of peace. Abel has never, any day, quarreled with his friends. He is a dedicated person, dedicated to work. And I know, while he was growing up, he was a person that could make furniture for himself and everybody can see it.

"Abel loves family; he doesn't care where you're from. The moment he knows that 'this is my brother', he is open, he deals with you on that capacity. He is that too peaceful that anything he does with you, he is that person that gives. He is always there for you. He calls you any time any day. We will always miss him," Chief Ukuli added.

After a brief ceremonial rites, the remains of the late Engr. Abel Eregha Uti was interred in his final resting place until the great day of reawakening.

According to his biography as read by one of his sons, "The late Engr. Abel Eregha Uti was born in the year 1956 at Ijafan, a fishing camp in the Burutu LGA of Delta State, to the family of Late Pa. Utilferibo of Ebiabo Quarters in Kokodiagbene Town and Mrs. Akokodi-ere Iferibo (Nee Gagu) of Iva Quarters in Kunukunuma Town, all in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West LGA of Delta State.

"After his birth, his parent journeyed back home to Kokodiagbene Town where he grew up a vibrant and healthy child. He got western education at a very young age. He attended Ebiabo Primary School from 1966 to 1973. And as a youth, he was very industrious, artistic and had a talent for craftsmanship, making furniture thereby making his own chairs and bed frame.

"After his primary education, Late Engr. Abel Eregha Uti, for his quest for a better future, left Kokodiagbene Town to Warri in the year 1967. In the same year he left Warri to Port-Harcourt where he was gainfully employed by Southeastern Drilling Company of Nigeria Limited from 1967 to 1979; there he was trained as a professional welder by the same company.

"Late Engr. Abel Eregha Uti also worked in the following companies as a professional welder: Lenmac Industry Nigeria Limited from 1985 to 1987; Jufe Marine Services Limited from 1989 to 1998. Because he is hardworking and industrious, he was made the lead man in welding and construction department, Daewoo Nigeria Limited from 2011 to 2013. He also worked with Julius Berger Nigeria Limited as a professional welder and Itopo Nigeria Limited. After that, he became a contractor to different companies as a professional welder.

"On July 7th 1981, Engr. Abel Eregha Uti duly got married to his beloved wife and confidant, Mrs. Evelyn Abel Uti (Nee Begha) and the marriage is blessed with 11 children namely: Teddy Uti, Braiye Uti, Ebrasin Uti, Gloria Uti, Inimowei Uti, Tarela Uti, Ebimobowei Uti, Tamuno Uti, Gabriel Uti, Ebiware Uti and Blessing Uti.

"Engr, Abel Eregha Uti was a devoted Christian, selfless, humble and a gentleman to the core; an excellent man who respects everyone who crosses his path, young or old. He is also a very devoted family man who loves his children and other relatives alike. He is also very committed to his extended family, paternal and maternal wellbeing.

"He died on the 11th of January 2024 after a brief illness. Our consolation rest in the hope of the Lord’s day where we shall meet to part no more. 1 Thessalonians 4v13-16. May his gentle soul rest in the Bosom of the Lord."

View more photos of the ceremony on PENGlobal Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/C4CjojiUQ82sjXE2/?mibextid=oFDknk

#penglobalsocial #funeral