Christians Warn of Consequences of Death; Accumulation of Wealth is Vanity, Says Bishop Daniel
By Samson Alfa, Minna
It has been asserted that no one on earth can escape death; it is an inevitable phenomenon that cannot be compared to working in public service, and the accumulation of wealth is ultimately vanity.
The Most Rev. Daniel Yisa, Bishop of Minna and Archbishop of Lokoja Province, made this statement while delivering a sermon at the funeral service of the late Baba Abel Dangana at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Katamba Bologi, Edati Local Government Area, Niger State.
Bishop Daniel focused his sermon on Psalms 116:15 and Genesis 25:8, stating that death is precious in the sight of the Lord for a faithful servant.
He encouraged Christians to remain faithful and follow the path of righteousness.
The Bishop elaborated that people mourn after death and gather to express their sorrow, as was the case with Abraham, who passed away at a good old age.
He emphasized that we are now witnessing the passing of our father and grandfather, Baba Abel Dangana Shema, who died on December 16, 2024.
“Late Baba Abel lived a fulfilled life and set a good example during his time with us. Therefore, we should all begin preparing ourselves, free from the desire to accumulate wealth. Ultimately, whatever we do on this earth, we must face death and give an account,” Bishop Daniel reiterated.
Late Baba Abel Dangana Shema died on December 16, 2024, at the age of 119. He was born in 1905 and was buried on December 23, 2024, in Katamba Bologi.
Among his children are Mr. Theophilus Shema, Chief of Katamba Bologi, and Bishop Jeremiah Ndana Kolo of the Kutigi Anglican Diocese, as well as 20 grandchildren.
Baba Abel was born to the family of Baba Shema; his grandfather’s name was Kolo, who was born in Ntakogi-Sakpe in Edati Local Government Area. Although the exact date of his birth could not be verified, Pa Abel, popularly known as Shabako, was married to the late Mrs. Alice Lade Shema.
Clergy members attending the funeral service included the Bishops of Bida, Doko, Kontagora, Venerable Jacob Ndakotsu, Ven. Jeremiah Mamman, Rev. Philip Shema, Rev. Abraham Banje, Archdeacons, Canons, priests, and Catechist agents.
