THE BIOGRAPHY OF
EVANGELIST MRS. UDEME EMMANUEL ASIKPO-OKON

HER EXEMPLARY LIFE AND LEGACY:  
A JOURNEY OF FAITH, LOVE, SERVICE AND DEATH

HER FAMILY, BIRTH, AND PARENTAGE

Evangelist Mrs. Udeme Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon was born on the 20th of March, 1977, in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, into the family of Late Chief Benjamin Sambo Essien (Village Head) of Ikot Udo Abia in Etinan LGA and Mrs. Margaret Benjamin Essien of Okon in Eket LGA, both in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Her family was deeply rooted in faith, love, and integrity, qualities that would profoundly shape her life. The Essien family, known for their unwavering commitment to God and dedication to uplifting others, were pillars of their community. 

 

EVANGELIST MRS. UDEME'S ACADEMIC JOURNEY 

Evangelist Mrs. Udeme Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon's academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to learning, a passion for excellence, and a desire to use her knowledge in service to others. From an early age, Udeme understood the transformative power of education. She believed in the words of Nelson Mandela, who said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This belief guided her throughout her educational pursuits.

​

As Pope John Paul II once said, "Family is the first school for young children, and parents are powerful models." In this school of life, Udeme learned the values that would guide her future: faith, humility, and service. Being a bright child among her siblings, Udeme found herself in a unique position within her family. She was both guiding her sibling and protecting her younger one. As Richard Bach wrote, "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." This bond was especially strong in the Essien household, where love, support, and a shared faith in God created an environment of growth and spiritual strength.

​

The strong moral foundation laid by her parents was not just a guiding light for her life but also a source of strength in times of adversity. "The family is the nucleus of civilization," as Will Durant noted, and for Udeme, her family was the nucleus from which she derived her strength, values, and purpose. These early lessons would carry her through her life’s journey, helping her to become the remarkable woman she was destined to be.

Education was a journey that Evangelist Udeme approached with the same fervour and dedication that characterized every aspect of her life.
From her early years at Command Children Primary School in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, she pursued knowledge with passion and determination. Her academic achievements were not just a testament to her intelligence but also to her belief that education is a tool for empowerment and service to humanity.

​

Her time at Immaculate Conception Secondary School, Itak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, was marked by both academic excellence and spiritual growth. She obtained her Ordinary Level O'level qualification, embodying the words of B.B. King: "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." Udeme embraced this wholeheartedly, consistently striving for excellence while nurturing her spiritual life. She knew that true education was not just about acquiring knowledge but about developing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

​

Graduating from The Polytechnic Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria, with an Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Accountancy, she embodied the words of Mahatma Gandhi: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Her commitment to continuous learning did not end with her formal education. Both she and her husband completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Rivers State, Nigeria, after miraculously being sent to Ekiti and Yobe initially. She was posted to the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

​

Her educational journey was a foundation upon which she built a life of service, leadership, and faith. Udeme always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Immediately after her youth service, she and her husband began trading via Dubai, South Africa, and London, buying goods to sell. The business was very successful until they both relocated to the United Kingdom by the mandate of their senior pastor, Apostle Anietie Stephen Udoema, and with the support of her mother.

​

While in the UK, Udeme obtained a Master's in Business and Finance from the University of Bedfordshire in 2010. She worked tirelessly until, in 2014, Destiny Support Care Ltd, Udeme’s brainchild, was established. Over the years, the company has grown and flourished under her passion and dedication to excellence.

 

MARITAL LIFE

While graduating at The Polytechnic,Calabar,the love story of Evangelist Udeme and Evangelist Emmanuel Asikpo - Okon "Enembe", as fondly called, which began a testimony to the power of faith and divine orchestration. Though we met not by chance, but through a divine plan, our union was built on a solid foundation of shared values and deep spiritual connection. "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person," said Mignon McLaughlin This quote resonates deeply with our journey, as we navigated the ups and downs of life with love and unwavering commitment to each other.

​

Our humble marital beginnings were marked by simplicity and a deep sense of purpose and faith in God’s plan for our lives. My affectionate term for my wife, "Mylove," was more than just a pet name; it symbolized the immense value she held in my life. "Where there is love, there is life," said Mahatma Gandhi, and our love was a source of life, joy, and strength for both of us.

​

Every marriage faces its own unique set of challenges, and ours was no different. However, we approached these challenges with the belief that "A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences" (Dave Meurer). We saw our weaknesses as opportunities for growth and our strengths as gifts to be cherished. The opportunities that came from the union were a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance. "The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make, not just on your wedding day, but over and over again, and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife" (Barbara De Angelis).

​

Evangelist Mrs Udeme Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon’s marital life was a testament to the power of love, partnership, and shared faith. She was united in holy matrimony with Mr. Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon on November 17th 2001, a union blessed by God and filled with mutual respect, understanding, and a shared vision for a life dedicated to service and spiritual growth. Together, we built a home founded on the principles of faith, love, and devotion to God. 

​

The marriage was not just a partnership but a ministry, a living example of a Christ-centered union. As the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10:"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow." This scripture truly reflected our relationship, as we supported each other through life’s challenges, celebrated each other’s victories, and worked together to fulfil our divine purpose. 

​

Udeme and Emmanuel’s marriage was blessed with children after waiting on the Lord for seven years, who became the embodiment of our love and commitment. We nurture our children in the ways of the Lord, instilling in them the values of integrity, humility, and service that are central to our own lives. As parents, we are dedicated to providing our children with a solid foundation, ensuring that they grow up to be responsible, God-fearing individuals.

​

Our home is a sanctuary of peace and joy, where the love of God is always present. Udeme was not just a wife and mother but a partner in every sense of the word. She stood by me in all things, supporting me in my personal and professional endeavours. Our marriage was a partnership, and a covenant relationship that exemplified the beauty of a life lived in harmony with God’s will.

 

 

SPIRITUAL LIFE AND MINISTRY

Evangelist Udeme’s Christian life was a journey of deepening faith and expanding service. From a young age, she was drawn to the teachings of Christ, and this early connection only grew stronger over the years. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase," said Martin Luther King Jr. For Udeme, every step in her spiritual journey was an act of faith, a trust in God’s plan for her life.

Her early involvement in the Baptist Church laid the foundation for a life of service and spiritual leadership. But as her journey progressed, she was led to the Lord (Born-Again) by her husband, and they both served the Lord and were ordained Evangelists as both have been very passionate about souls. Sent on a missionary work to plant the Restoration Life Ministries Church in the United Kingdom and upon arrival submitted to mentorship under Pastor Alphonsus Joseph of Destiny International Christian Assembly for over twelve years, after which, in obedience to the call supported Restoration Life Ministries to start the ministry officially and was a Board of Trustee member, choir director, children teacher, women leader, finance director and a lot of other faithful commitments in the house of God, where she served the Lord until she slept in the Lord.

​

As an Evangelist, she was known for her powerful sermons and teachings and her ability to touch the hearts of those she ministered to preaching the Gospel at all times in season and out of season up to her very last breath. Udeme embodied this in her ministry, living out the Gospel through her actions, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to God’s work. Her life was a testament to the belief that "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" (Mahatma Gandhi). Her legacy as a servant of God is one that will continue to inspire and guide those who were touched by her ministry.

​

Evangelist Mrs. Udeme Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon’s spiritual life was the cornerstone of her existence. From a young age, she was deeply committed to her faith, a commitment that only grew stronger as she matured. She was an active member of her church, where she served with humility and dedication. Her ministry was characterized by a deep love for God and a passion for spreading the Gospel. 

As an evangelist, Udeme touched countless lives with her message of hope, love, and salvation. She believed in the transformative power of God’s word and dedicated herself to sharing that power with others. Her sermons were filled with wisdom and compassion, and her life was a living testimony of God’s grace. 

​

Udeme’s ministry extended beyond the church walls. She was deeply involved in community service, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She believed that true faith was demonstrated through acts of  kindness and service to others. Her life was a reflection of the words of Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

​

Her spiritual journey was not without challenges, but she faced each one with unwavering faith and trust in God. She was a prayer warrior, always interceding for her family, friends, and community. Her faith was her anchor, guiding her through life’s storms and helping her to remain steadfast in her commitment to God.

​

LEGACY AND IMPACT

The legacy of Evangelist Mrs. Udeme Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon is one of faith, love, and service. She lived her life with purpose, always striving to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Her impact on her family, church, and community can not be overstated. She was a beacon of light, a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew her. 

​

Her life was a fulfilment of the words of Proverbs 31:30-31: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her work bring her praise at the city gate." Udeme’s works will indeed bring her praise, not just at the city gate but in the hearts of all who were touched by her life.

​

As we remember Evangelist Mrs. Udeme Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon, we are reminded that her legacy lives on in the lives she impacted, the family she nurtured, and the faith she so passionately shared. Though she has gone to be with the Lord, her spirit remains with us, a constant reminder of the love and grace she embodied.

 

Udeme is Survived by;

• Evangelist Emmanuel  Asikpo-Okon(husband)

• Jubilee Asikpo-Okon (son)

• Precious Asikpo-Okon (daughter)

• Blessing Asikpo-Okon (daughter)

• Margaret Essien (mother)

• David Essien (brother)

• Esther-Idorenyin Okwuolisa (sister)

• Ekerette Essien (brother)

• Ukeme Kalio (sister)

• Benjamin Kufre Essien (brother)

• Pastor & Pastor Mrs Asikpo Asikpo-Okon of Restoration Life Ministries Uk(pastors and inlaws)

• High Chief Gabriel & Shade Umoden ( mentor/uncle & aunt)

• Uncles, aunties, cousins, in-laws, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. 

• Adieu, the true love of my life!

• Mylove, Udeme-Enembe, Udeme-mi, Myluv4eva.

 

May Udeme Emmanuel Enembe Asikpo-Okon’s soul find rest in the bosom of our father of faith, Abraham, until we meet to part no more.