The immediate past member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Sam Onuigbo, has described his late elder brother, His Grace, Archbishop Prof. Dr. Paul Ebubemadu Oriaku, as a man of exceptional character whose contributions to the Christian faith and humanity will remain evergreen.
Onuigbo stated this during the burial ceremony of the late cleric, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his country home in Obuohia Obi Ibere, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
Speaking at the funeral, Onuigbo said the late Archbishop was the first pastor in their family, among several pastors and bishops.
He recalled how their grandfather, who was then the head of masquerades in the community, received bags and other belongings of missionaries who visited the area but could not carry their possessions back.
According to him, the gesture marked the beginning of a remarkable spiritual transformation in the family, whose members have continued to embrace Christianity and produce pastors, bishops and archbishops.
He described the late Archbishop as a man who positively influenced many lives through his ministry, noting that several clerics had passed through his tutelage.
“We didn’t come here to mourn but to celebrate a man who achieved so much. He was a man who guided people to become somebody, a man who produced so many pastors, bishops and archbishops.
“Originally, in our family, he was the one who was not coming to church, but look at how God transformed him. His legacies, accomplishments and spirit will live for many years”, Onuigbo said.
He appreciated everyone who attended the funeral to identify with the family and urged people to live impactful lives. He also called for support for the policies and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In their tributes, members of the late Archbishop’s church, New Gospel Mission Incorporated, described him as a humble, courageous and devoted servant of God who demonstrated genuine love for his ministers and congregation.
They recalled his closeness to members of the church, noting that he knew his ministers individually and was deeply concerned about their welfare.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ugwu Ibere Autonomous Community in Abia State, Eze Prof. Ezeudo Sam Ifenwanta described the deceased as a man of wisdom and understanding who lived a life worthy of emulation and left behind a beautiful legacy.
In his sermon, Bishop Ugochukwu Ogbonnaya described the late Archbishop as a composer of several Christian songs and a father of fathers.
Speaking on the topic, “How Are We Preparing for the Day of Death”, the cleric, who referenced Philippians 1:20-21 and Psalm 139:16, challenged Christians to reflect on their mortality and prepare spiritually for eternity.
He observed that while people make elaborate preparations for weddings, naming ceremonies and birthdays, many fail to prepare for death, despite its inevitability.
Bishop Ogbonnaya urged the congregation to live godly lives, stressing that nobody knows when their earthly journey would come to an end.
Archbishop Paul Ebubemadu Oriaku was born in 1947 at Obuohia Obi Ibere Autonomous Community in Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, to the late Pa Thompson Agu Oriaku and Madam Grace Oriaku
His journey into ministry was a remarkable story of transformation. He was initially trained as an automobile technician and established a workshop in Enugu. However, following a divine encounter in 1970, he abandoned his business and answered the call to ministry.
He attended Christ Apostolic Church Bible College, Agbani, before proceeding to the seminary of the Holy Church of God, now Victory Christian Church Mission.
His ministerial assignments took him to several communities across Nigeria, including Okija, Enugu, Abakaliki, Aba, Port Harcourt and Owerri. In 1978, he was posted to Ojota, Lagos, to establish a church branch.
In September 1984, he founded New Gospel Mission Church at Abulegba, Lagos, beginning with 45 men, 35 women and 22 children.
Under his leadership, the ministry expanded to several locations, including Ogudu, Sango in Ogun State, Ayobo, Gbagada, Surulere and Oshodi, with Abulegba serving as its headquarters.
He was ordained an apostle by Reverend Iyanda and later consecrated a bishop by his spiritual father and mentor, the late Archbishop Victor Onuigbo, in 2005.
On August 7, 2022, he was consecrated an Archbishop by the Presiding Archbishop of New Day College of Bishops and Apostles, His Grace, Archbishop Innocent Ochei.
At the time of his death, he was the Presiding PICAN Bishop in Lagos and Patron of the New Day College of Bishops.
Beyond his ecclesiastical accomplishments, the late Archbishop was celebrated for his humility, gentleness, meekness and deep knowledge of the Scriptures.
He was particularly known for his teachings on love, compassion and selfless service, often reminding his followers that the true measure of a Christian was not merely the greatness of faith but the depth of love.
He was married to Dr. Bishop Mrs. Anne Oriaku, fondly called Nwanne, and their union was blessed with four children and six grandchildren.
Archbishop Oriaku died at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of faith, courage, integrity, humility and service to humanity.
His family, ministry, teachings and the many lives he influenced were celebrated as enduring testimonies to a life devoted to the service of God.
