Late Gospel Preacher, Sunday Aken Laid to Rest in Eleme

By Nwafor Oji Awala.

Evang Sunday Aken, a deceased gospel preacher, was buried in his birthplace of Ogale, in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

When the 90-year-old was laid to rest on May 22, his family, friends, and well-wishers gathered around his remains to offer their final condolences.

In a heartfelt eulogy, the chief mourner and the deceased's first son, Engr. Mark Aken, asked, "How can I turn back time so that I can bring you back to life? “The sad reality is that death has put a big blow below my belt, but my consolation and joy lie in the fact that you are now in the bosom of the Lord. Rest on great father, you were indeed amazing” he wrote.

Evang. Sunday Aken was born in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area, River State, on April 19, 1935, into the family of Elder Moses Aken and Mrs. Mimi Aken.  Of his parents' four children, he was the male and only one to survive.

Late Evangelist Sunday Aken loved God and was a Christian.  He served diligently until his death as a member of the Assemblies of God Church.  For the glory of God, he was devoted to the labor and advancement of the church.

He was a Sunday school teacher who taught in Eleme language to the elderly indigenous women in Sunday school class. As a devoted servant, Sunday Aken embraced the call, enrolled in Akpajo Bible School as an evangelist, and earned an excellent grade upon graduation. His main objective was to carry on the work of an evangelist till his death.

In whatever he undertook, truth served as his compass. He formed friends with the person who could speak and defend the truth.

Sunday Aken completed his elementary schooling in Ogale and completed his standard six (6), but he was unable to continue his education because of the financial support and responsibilities he had to shoulder as the only son after his parents' deaths, which forced him to help his siblings out in the family by working in farming and other jobs. He started a business in early 1953, selling provisions and kerosene, and it became so well-known that people from nearby communities, such as Nonwa Tai, came to him to purchase kerosene. He returned to the business after the civil war in 1969–1970, but was unable to continue it because of the loss of goods and capital.

Later on, Sunday Aken joined the public service and was sent to the Ministry of Finance. He was well loved and respected till he retired. Following his retirement, he resorted to his business acumen and became a benefit to others because he disliked being idle or indolent.

Evang. Sunday Aken played football and engaged in other social activities.  He was a full left-back player and a central defender. Having tremendous interest for sports, he went ahead to train new players in active football with multiple medals won.  He also enjoyed racing bicycles.  With competitors from all throughout the state, he placed second while representing Eleme.

The first Eleme man to host a television show on Rivers State Television, Chanel 22, with the title "Effective Communication in Eleme Dialect," was Sunday Aken.  Children were to learn how to successfully communicate in Eleme dialects as part of the curriculum in the years 2002–2003.

In 1969, Sunday Aken married Mrs. Sarah Aken, and the couple was blessed with eight children. However, he lost two of them to illness.

Evang. Sunday Aken became ill for a short time on January 20, 2025, and died early on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Nwafor Oji Awala