Life and Time of Late Pastor Innocent Ufot Inyang

According to Paul Kendall, on the trail of another man, the Biographer must put up with finding himself at every turn. He begins with somebody else’s papers and ends with his own; and what goes on between, spread over years, is an unending jumble of digging for facts, trying to understand what is found and struggling to convey that understanding by literary effects which will transmute information into a life being lived without betraying the subject.

The story of life and time of Late Pastor Innocent Ufot Inyang falls under this philosophy. Writing a Biography of a man brought up at the acme of hardship at birth; nurtured by an aunt, a man who had his quotidian existence off-hand; a man who struggled from grass to grace; a man who stripped himself off all the fantasies of developed world; a man who voluntarily denied himself food for others to eat and a man who surrendered himself wholly as an instrument of God, seems to be herculean task, yet a task that must be done. Such is the Biography of Late Pastor Innocent Ufot Inyang.

Late Pastor Innocent Ufot Inyang was An Achiever per Excellence, a Distinguished Theologian, An Exemplified Christian of the Apostolic Church, A Patriot, Sportsman and Enthusiast, Father and True Technocrat, Master Strategist in Administration and Professional Engineering, Committed Leader, Philanthropist, Extra Ordinaire, Man of GOD and Pastor in the Apostolic Church.

Born in Asong Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on September 22, 1953 to the Family of Late Ufot Akpan Inyang, Late Pastor Innocent Ufot Inyang had continuously walked the journey of life as a star. Little was it known at the time of his birth that as it was with biblical little Joseph, Innocent (meaning not being guilty of any crime) would positively affect humanity in many ways. The prophetic name “Innocent” as events had unfolded had become synonymous with blessing to the family, state, nation and the world at large.

Soon after his Primary Education which he passed out with distinction, he enrolled for Secondary School Education and made wonderful grades in all subjects sat in the Senior School Certificate Examination.

In January 15, 1973 he changed his position for his condition to change and joined his aunt in Ikot Ekpene. It was during the period of his stay with his aunt that God adorned and fortified him with all physical and spiritual qualities that enabled him to face his world squarely.

Late Innocent Ufot Inyang attended the Apostolic Bible College; it was while in the Bible College that his natural and distinct leadership skills became more conspicuous as he doubled some sanctimonious duties with assiduous academic responsibilities yet came out with exemplary success and Graduated Summa Cum Laudi from the College. He was ordained a deacon in 1984, an elder in 1989 and pastor in 2001.

After his Ordination as Pastor in 2001, Late Pastor Inyang served in many stations including Queen Street; Oku-Obom; Ibiaku Ikot Edet and Ibiakpan Districts where God used him to prove his supremacy.

As it pleases God, The Master of Universe, The Alpha and Omega, that His servant, Pastor I. U. Inynag at 65 years should rest, He promoted His Servant to Glory on June 18, 2018 painlessly. To God Be the Glory!

This Great man of God is survived by one child, Nsidibe Innocent Ufot and an aunt, Deaconess Margaret Okon Ikon. As his remains would be interred on Thursday September 13, 2018, we all hail Adieu Papa; Adieu Worthy Man of God. Pastor I. U. Inyang, rest in perfect peace till we meet to part no more. Good Night!

Courtesy: Apostle Joseph Umoh, The Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Uruk Uso Area Superintendent, Ikot Ekpene Field