* Buhari commiserates with bereaved family
Founder and General Overseer (GO) of Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Rev. Obiora Ezekiel, has reportedly passed on, aged 78 years.
Before his demise, Rev Ezekiel reportedly gathered some elders and ministers of the Church and told them “the hour is here, keep the vision alive, keep the faith.”
His death was announced on Sunday during its Sunday service and worshippers expressed grief.
The Coordinator of Imo State branch of the Church, Rev John Eze, was quoted as saying: “Our father, our mentor, our General, our Field Marshal, the man that saw the vision, the man that began the race, the man whose shoulder we’re all climbing, the founder and General Overseer of the Christian Pentecostal Mission International, Rev Dr O Ezekiel has gone to be with the Lord few days ago.”
Rev Ezekiel was born in Awka Etiti, Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State. He came to Lagos in 1954 and later in the 1970s founded the CPM.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family of the late clergyman.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, joined the entire congregation and Christian community in mourning the deceased.
He said the religious leader demonstrated love, peace and joy in pursuing his passion for soul winning, and worked for the growth and spread of the gospel within and outside Nigeria, holding outreaches.
He noted the general overseer’s role in raising many spiritual sons who had also moved on to mentor pastors, evangelists, and teachers, commending his vision for founding the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Buhari, who urged prayers for the family of the departed, particularly his wife and spiritual partner, Rev. Dr Mercy Ezekiel, prayed that the Almighty God receive the soul of the renowned evangelist.