Tributes flow as Rev. (Mrs.) Paulina Ndupu is honoured at service of songs in Warri

A wave of heartfelt tributes filled the Church of God Mission (Healing Centre) in Warri on Tuesday, December 9, as family, friends, and worshippers gathered for the beginning of the burial rites of late Rev. (Mrs.) Paulina Ndupu. 

It started with the service of songs held in honour of late Rev. (Mrs.) Paulina Ndupu. The event was organised by her children, including her daughter, Chidinma.

Rev. Felix U. Alumona, Ph.D, younger brother to the deceased, delivered a moving tribute on behalf of the family. He described Rev. Ndupu as a spiritual anchor who led every member of their family to Christ and nurtured them with genuine love.

“Our big sister was a mother indeed. Every member of the family, she was the one that led us to Christ,” he said, noting her influential ministry in Ogulagha where many were converted through her efforts.

He continued, “When I said she was a mother, she was a mother indeed. Almost all of us passed through her. Above all, she was after God’s heart. She served in the house of God. She lived within the vineyard, and she ended in the house of God.” Rev. Alumona urged the congregation to rely on God at all times and not only in moments of convenience.

Speaking further, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Awia described the late cleric as both a dedicated minister and a businesswoman who boldly carried the gospel into the riverine communities. She emphasised that Rev. Ndupu’s impact was widely felt, saying, “There’s no place you will go in that area that you will not hear this woman of God.”

Rev. Awia recounted her own missionary experience in the riverine region, highlighting the difficult conditions ministers faced. “There was no toilet and I had to use a bucket which they threw into the river. It was that bad then. But she was there preaching the gospel,” she said, thanking God for the life and legacy of the deceased.

Another church member, Ojoshenure Blessing, paid tribute to Rev. Ndupu’s unwavering devotion to prayer and generosity. Describing her as “a prayer machine,” she recalled how the late cleric supported people spiritually and financially, praying for the peaceful repose of her soul.

The service of songs drew the Warri Bishop, presbyters, pastors, and a large number of congregants who came to honour the memory of the woman many regarded as a pillar of faith and service.

The burial ceremony for Rev. (Mrs.) Paulina Ndupu is scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 13, at Aboh Community Grammar School in Ndokwa-East Local Government Area.