1915-2018
Bishop Friday Nkai was born May 5, 1915, and passed away recently at the age of 103. He was born into the family of Chief Nkai Mkporok
in Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Bishop Nkai started his Christian life in 1945, with his father, at Ebelette in Abia State. From there they joined the church at Ikot Umo Essien, with Jacob Okop and Solomon Okop from Ikot Umo Essien to Idung Esimuk, Ikot Idem Assembly, before they established the church at Ikot Okon. Bishop Nkai was baptized in 1958 by Pastor N. A. Okoro at Ikot Umo Essien’s river. In 1970 he received the call of God as Eyang, and he was transferred to Ikpe Annang from Ikpe Annang to Afaha Obong, later to Obon Ukwa-Obot Akara L.G.A. In 1974, he was ordained as a pastor by Elder F. O. Nwakue at Nkwot primary school and posted to Atim Ekpo District. In 1986 he was appointed as a reverend by Robert Collier from America.
Bishop Nkai was married to late Mary Udo Ukut from Onon Ukwu-Obot Akara. They were blessed with five children, 28 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Madam Mary was very industrious, specializing in farm work and other domestic activities.
Bishop Nkai attended school to the standard that enabled him to read and write at the Bible Correspondence School. In 1987 he was appointed as chairman of the Sabbathkeepers conference in Akwa Ibom State. In 2009 he was appointed bishop of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, a position he held till his death.
Bishop Nkai lived a full life and died at a ripe old age. He will be buried on December 11, 2018, by the Church of God (Seventh Day) General Conference in Nigeria.