23/08/2026
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA, OTORO DISTRICT HONOURS THREE PIONEERING LEADERS POSTHUMOUSLY IN ABIA-OKPO
In commemoration of its Annual District Day celebration, the Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN), Otoro District, has honoured three distinguished pioneers of the faith from Abia-Okpo, Otoro Clan, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the establishment, growth and sustenance of the Lutheran Church in the district.
The posthumous Awards of Recognition were presented to the families of Late Chief Dick Udo Mkpeng, Late Chief Okoro Udo Mkpeng and Late Elder Joshua Umoh, in appreciation of their exemplary leadership, selfless service, unwavering commitment and sacrifices towards the advancement of the Lutheran Church in Otoro District and beyond. The historic ceremony was held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Otoro District Headquarters, Ikot Odon, Otoro, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The three men left indelible footprints in the history of the Lutheran Church through their dedication to the work of God, community leadership and commitment to the welfare of others. Their lives exemplified integrity, faithfulness, courage and service—qualities that continue to inspire generations and strengthen the foundation upon which the Church stands today.
CITATION IN HONOUR OF LATE CHIEF DICK UDO MKPENG
Late Chief Dick Udo Mkpeng, a man of impeccable character and integrity, was born on October 15, 1917, into the royal family of Nto Udo House, Ikot Edom Family, Abia-Okpo Village, Otoro Clan, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. As a young boy, he received his early education at Four Towns School, Ikot Essien Etok, where he attained Standard One.
A devoted family man, Chief Dick Udo Mkpeng was married to three wives and was blessed with 13 children. Beyond his immediate family, he was widely known for his generosity, humility and genuine concern for the welfare of those around him.
He was an epitome of peace, truth and responsibility, consistently avoiding actions that could cause disagreement, conflict or anger. His sterling qualities earned him the trust and respect of the community, where he served in various capacities in both the Church and society.
Chief Dick Udo Mkpeng was one of the founding members of the Lutheran Church in Abia-Okpo, Otoro District, and remained steadfast in his commitment to the Church from its formative years. He also served as the village treasurer, where he demonstrated a high level of integrity, accountability and responsibility.
A visionary and hardworking man, he initially engaged in farming before venturing into trading, particularly in building materials and household items such as nails, keys, machetes, staples and hinges, among others.
After a long and impactful life of service to his family, community and the Church, Late Chief Dick Udo Mkpeng passed away on May 29, 2024, at the age of 107. His enduring legacy remains a testament to a life well lived and dedicated to humanity and the service of God.
CITATION IN HONOUR OF LATE CHIEF OKORO UDO MKPENG
Late Chief Okoro Udo Mkpeng was born in 1902 and lived a life distinguished by leadership, humility, service and philanthropy. He passed away in 1978 at the age of 76 and was laid to rest in his beloved Abia-Okpo community.
As the first son of Udo Mkpeng, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities from an early age. He later served meritoriously as the Village Head of Abia-Okpo, a position he held until his death.
He was also among the pioneering leaders and facilitators who played significant roles in establishing the Lutheran Church of Nigeria in Otoro Clan. The Lutheran mission, which was first established at Obot Idim in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, later spread to other communities, including Otoro.
Within the Church, Late Chief Okoro Udo Mkpeng served faithfully as Treasurer of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Abia-Okpo Congregation. He discharged the responsibility with dedication and contributed significantly to the growth, stability and development of the Church.
Beyond his traditional and ecclesiastical leadership, he was widely respected for his philanthropic disposition and concern for the welfare of others. His life of service, generosity and leadership earned him an enduring place in the history of both the community and the Church.
Many years after his transition, the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Otoro District, continues to remember and celebrate his invaluable contributions to the establishment and growth of the Church.
It is therefore with profound honour and respect that the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Otoro District, presents this Posthumous Award of Recognition to the family of Late Chief Okoro Udo Mkpeng, in appreciation of his exemplary leadership, dedicated service and invaluable contribution to the work of God. May his enduring legacy continue to inspire generations.
CITATION IN HONOUR OF LATE ELDER JOSHUA UMOH
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Galatians 6:9.
Faithful service is characterised by loyalty, trust, perseverance and consistency in the service of God and humanity. As Scripture reminds us in Hebrews 6:10, God does not forget the work and labour of love demonstrated in His name.
Late Elder Joshua Edet Umoh (1926–2008) was a man of many accomplishments—a teacher and educationist by training, a distinguished community leader, a passionate teacher of God’s Word and a committed Lay Preacher.
Although born to parents of Qua Iboe extraction, he embraced the Lutheran faith as a student of the Lutheran Teachers’ Training College, Ibakachi, Ikono, in the late 1940s. Throughout his professional career, he served in various Lutheran schools as a classroom teacher and later as Headmaster of prominent institutions, including Otoro I Lutheran School, Abia-Okpo, and the Lutheran School, Ibong Otoro, among others.
His contributions to the Lutheran Church were numerous and involved considerable personal sacrifice. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Church from about 1967 to the late 1980s and was also a member of the Lutheran Relief Committee, which facilitated the acquisition and distribution of food and relief materials to refugees during the Nigerian Civil War.
He participated in the mission team responsible for the translation of the Bible into the Bekwara dialect of northern Cross River State in the early 1980s. He also played a crucial role in protecting Lutheran missionary land in Abia-Okpo from persistent threats of trespass and litigation, an assignment he carried out with remarkable courage, commitment and diligence.
One of the defining moments of his service to the Church was his courageous resistance to efforts to replace the identity of the Lutheran Church in Abia-Okpo and the wider district. Despite being offered a fully funded scholarship to the United States, he declined the opportunity rather than compromise his loyalty to the Lutheran Church. He subsequently devoted his resources, time and personal efforts to legal struggles aimed at protecting the Church’s identity and property, even when his stand exposed him and his family to considerable challenges.
Following his retirement, his leadership qualities and loyalty to the Church earned him the confidence of its leadership. Around 1988/1990, the then President of the Church, Rev. Dr. Nelson Unwene, nominated him for consecration and posting to Abuja as the first Pastor of the Lutheran Church in the Federal Capital Territory. Elder Umoh, however, declined the opportunity in favour of a younger pastor, choosing instead to dedicate his retirement years to strengthening the affairs of the Otoro District.
In recognition of his educational background and experience, the LCN Board subsequently appointed him as the pioneer principal of Lutheran High School, Ukanafun, where he served meritoriously before handing over.
He also served the Otoro District in several capacities, including District Chairman, Secretary and Chairman of various committees. These positions represented only a fraction of his immense contributions to the growth and expansion of Lutheranism in Otoro District and Nigeria.
His life was defined by loyalty, courage, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to the Church, even in difficult seasons. His posthumous recognition therefore represents not only an honour to his memory but also a celebration of a life dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
Perhaps the greatest lesson from his life is captured in the words of Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:23–24:
“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
FAMILIES EXPRESS APPRECIATION
Speaking on behalf of the families of Late Chief Dick Udo Mkpeng, Late Chief Okoro Udo Mkpeng and Late Elder Joshua Umoh, the families expressed profound appreciation to the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Otoro District, for the honour bestowed upon their departed fathers.
They described the recognition as a deeply meaningful tribute to the lives, sacrifices and enduring legacies of the three men, noting that the honour would remain a cherished reminder of their contributions to the Church and the community.
The families further assured the leadership and members of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Otoro District, of their continued goodwill, commitment and support towards the growth and advancement of the Church. They prayed that God would continue to strengthen the Church, preserve its unity and inspire present and future generations to uphold the values of faith, service, sacrifice and integrity exemplified by their fathers.
The posthumous recognition stood as a fitting tribute to three remarkable men whose lives helped lay and strengthen the foundation of the Lutheran faith in Otoro. Their sacrifices, leadership and devotion have become an enduring part of the history of the Church, while their legacies continue to speak long after their departure.
As the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Otoro District, continues to grow, the memory of these pioneering leaders serves as a reminder that every lasting institution is built on the sacrifices, courage and dedication of those who came before.
May their memories remain blessed, and may their legacies of faithful service continue to inspire generations.
To God alone be all the glory.
