By Tokunbo Salami
My story as a missionary to Igalaland will never be complete without the name Nicholas Ocheja Yusuf. I met Bro. Nick, as I and many others fondly called him, in 1988. I met him through Rev. Ben Adegbite who was serving as a Youth Corps member in Ochaja where Bro. Nick was working.
Under God’s leading, Rev. Adegbite, Bro. Nicholas, Bishop John Ugbenyo, Apostle Dan Idih and myself were led to begin the Intercessions for Igalaland thrust which led to several prayer and fasting gatherings for Igalaland.
The very first of these gatherings held in Ochaja in 1988 and subsequently in places like Agbeji, Idah, Inye and Ejule to mention a few. Bro. Nick was a key facilitator and financial supporter of each of these gatherings.
When Bro. Nick moved to Ankpa, the burden for revival did not abate. Rather it found further expression in discipleship and mission’s efforts. That is why, if the truth will be told, Bro. Nicholas was a prime supporter of several Kingdom labours and labourers including myself and PLEROMA Missions. The success stories of Harvest House Inc., Scripture Union In Igalaland, CEFN Church Ochaja, CEFN Church Ankpa and of course, Soul Reapers (and several others) is the result of silent but salient labours of the likes of Nicholas Yusuf.
I hereby pay tribute to a true pioneer of the present revival labours in Igalaland, a missionary and missions supporter, a Missions leader and advocate, a brother in Christ with integrity, genuine love for God and brethren. Can I mention all your peace-making moves among warring factions in the Body of Christ? Can I mention your sacrificial heart that prompted you and your wife to ride your ADP motorcycle from Ankpa to Egbe (2 extremes of Kogi State) to attend my wedding? Can I mention your love for visiting mission fields all over the place to encourage missionaries?
Our great consolation is that finally, Bro. Nicholas Yusuf is home with the Lord after meritorious Kingdom labours. Till we see again.
● Pastor Salami heads Pleroma Missions, a missions agency based in Anyigba, Kogi State, with Christian workers in different ethnic nationalities in the state and beyond.