Uyo, 18 July – Ndifreke Jacob.
The celebration of the legacy of late His Eminence Dr. Sunday Coffie Mbang, will commence with series of solemn and commemorative events, family disclosed.
The lined up of event organized by the family to bid farewell to the departed Christian leader and Spiritual Father of Faith will commence on Wednesday, 19 July in Uyo, Sir Ini Mbang, JP revealed.
Speaking to Journalists at the residence of the late Prelate Mbang on Tuesday, 18 July, Sir Mbang, the first son of the deceased announced that the family has finalized plans to honor their departed father with series of events that celebrate his remarkable journey on Earth.
During his time on Earth, the deceased who died on Tuesday, 16 May at 86years served in different capacities in Christian associations.
He served as Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria and former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
According to Sir Mbang, the series of events to honour the departed Father of faith will commenced on Wednesday, July 19, with a special service organized by the Methodist Boys High School, Oron Old Boys at the Prelate Mbang’s Christian Chapel, Shelter Afrique Housing Estate, Uyo, by 10am.
Prelate Mbang was an alumnus of the school where learnt the ropes of priesthood as a student Chaplin.
Later that day, a novelty football match is scheduled between the Methodist Old Boys and the Hope Waddell Old Boys at the Shelter Afrique Football field at 4pm.
He disclosed that the funeral events will continue with a commendation service at the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu in Lagos on Wednesday, July 26, at 10am.
The service of honor and remembrance according to Sir Ini, is to honour Late Prelate Mbang who served at the church for over two decades and made significant contributions to the church and community.
On Thursday, August 3, a special service will be conducted by CAN at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, at 4pm where dignitaries and well-wishers from across the nation will pay their respects to the departed Christian leader.
Sir Mbang shared further details, revealing that the mourning house will officially open on Sunday, August 6, at 3pm in Uyo.
He noted that the opening of the mourning house will be followed by a Praise and Hymn night on Monday, August 7, at 6pm at the Prelate Mbang’s Christian Chapel, Shelter Afrique, Uyo.
A Service of Songs will be held on Tuesday, August 8, at 4pm, led by Fathers of Faith and CAN Akwa Ibom State, at the Insight Bible Church, Uyo, adding that an additional tribute session focused on “His Life and Times” will hold same day at the Emerald Event Centre, starting at 11am.
Also, a commendation service is scheduled at Immanuel Methodist Cathedral, Uyo, at 5pm to give the local community an opportunity to pay their respects to the beloved Prelate.
The Chief Mourner revealed that on Thursday, August 10, guests will be received by the bereaved family in Eket from 11am followed by a wake-keeping ceremony at His Eminence Mbang Methodist Cathedral, Eket, billed for 6pm on the same day.
He however added that the remains of the departed Prelate will be laid-in-state on Friday, August 11, at His Eminence Mbang Methodist Cathedral in Eket, where the funeral service will hold at 11am.
Also, the first son of the late Prelate disclosed that a thanksgiving service is scheduled to take place at His Eminence Mbang Methodist Cathedral, Eket, at 10am, to signify the culmination of their grieving period.
While the doors of the mourning house will officially close on Monday, August 14.
Similarly, Sir Mbang while extending invitation to the general public, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers received from the public, friends, and well-wishers during the challenging time.
While seeking for prayers for the family, Sir Mbang noted that they have taken solace with words from the Bible as well as the indelible contributions made by their father to the growth of Christianity, nation-building, and humanity.
Speaking on the roll call of dignitaries expected, Sir Mbang disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Methodist Church Council, Sultan of Sokoto, Governors, Inter-religious leaders, political class, among other top dignitaries will make list of guests at the funeral.
