…Says he was ‘a General in God’s army’
…’An excellent teacher he was’

Just as a former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay expressed grief over the demise of the highly revered Archbishop, Christian Ovwoma Aggrey Apena, his former student joins some of his ex students to mourn his demise.

Apena, the first ordained Pentecostal Bishop in Delta State and founder/cum Chief Superintendent of Bethesda Gospel Mission International Inc., died at the age of 91.



In a condolence statement issued in Asaba, Macaulay recalled Apena’s immense contributions to the growth of the Christian community and manifest prominence in the development of the educational sector in the defunct Bendel State.



He noted that after the creation of Delta State, late Apena continued to be a spring of peace and unity in the State as well as a rallying point for Christendom.



“He was a forthright, fearless and dedicated soldier of Christ whose sojourn for the Lord spanned about seven decades, winning souls for the kingdom of God even to the last day.



“On a personal note, he was a father to me and many others particularly in Isoko, a stabilizing force who mentored many across the old Bendel State, and remained a source of unity until death visited.




“We should not be saddened by his demise but rejoice because like Apostle Paul said, Archbishop Apena has fought a good fight of faith and has gone to be with the Lord.



Macaulay prayed to God Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest as well as give the family, the friends, the Church, the Isoko nation and the State, the fortitude to bear the loss.


A former student of his in the seventies, Gregory Abolo recalls that Archbishop Apena was ” an extraordinary house master, mathematics, music and religious knowledge teacher in the seventies at then St. Michael’s College, Oleh where he taught him and a good many students that he took as his own children”.


Then Rev. Apena was always on hand to guide and positively mentor students who resided in Garbutt House, a dormitory that excelled in sports between 1973 to 1977.


“We will surely miss him. Meanwhile we pray that Almighty God grants rest to his amiable servant, Archbishop Apena”, concludes Gregory Abolo.