- DATE: SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST, 2020
- VENUE: ZOOM MEETING
The program began at 8:00 pm with a prayer by Hon. Clement Ani Obeng, NUGS-Nanjing organizer and was moderated by Hon. Benjamin Ohene Kwapong Baffoe (NUGS-China president, 2017/2018).
OPENING ADDRESS
Hon. Collins Sey, the President of NUGS-China, expressed his profound gratitude to members for their kindness, prayers, and support towards the union. He said it was not easy announcing the demise of the late Emmanuel Oteng and that his passing has left a deep hole in our hearts. He continued to give the profile of the late Emmanuel Oteng; Mr Emmanuel Oteng was a PhD student at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), School of Management and Economics. He was a member of NUGS-Chengdu Chapter and served as the National Organizer of NUGS-China for the 2015/2016 administration and contributed immensely towards the development of the union.
He also mentioned that the purpose of the online vigil was for the union, family and friends to pay their last respect, pray for the departed soul and to sympathize with the entire family. He hoped that the vigil would provide an intimate setting where it will be easier for us to be aware of our grief. Hon Collins said this is a time to be reminded of the journey of faith that our brother, friend, colleague and family member has made. It may be a time to cry, a time to laugh, a time to remember and a time to pray.
He also expressed some words of condolence to the family and all sympathizers; “we say that may our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss”.
INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES
Hon. Bernard Boamah Bekoe introduced the guests to the house. We had Mr. Alfred Nii Annan Hammond (First Secretary Consular Affairs, Embassy of Ghana, Beijing), Mr. Cai, an International Student Office Staff representative of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Hon. Ukwuoma Chiagoziem Chima, International Student Union President of UESTC, the Ghana Community Association (GCA), the NUGS Russia, the NUGS Ukraine, past NEC, Mr. Joseph Oteng – brother of late Emmanuel Oteng, Hon. Bismark Addai, National Financial Controller for 2015/2016 academic year, Hon. Malik Nkrumah (NUGS-Chengdu Organizer, 2019/2020), Hon. Martinson Ankrah Twumasi (NUGS-Chengdu President, 2015/2016), Hon. Fildaus Muctari, General Secretary of NUGS Russia, Hon. Evans Amoateng, President of NUGS Ukraine and Miss Yaa Pomaa Ani-Agyei, General Secretary of NUGS Ukraine.
MINUTE OF SILENCE
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Emmanuel Oteng. This was led by Hon. Ennin Kweku Vendish, National Organizer of NUGS-China.
WORDS OF CONDOLENCE
The guests paid their tribute to the late Emmanuel Oteng. One thing that spanned across the tribute was that Emmanuel Oteng always had a contagious smile that made everyone around him happy and made it easier to be around him. They also mentioned that he was generous, caring, God-fearing, and they implored everyone to learn from his unique character.
The guests also expressed their sincere condolences and sympathized with the family. They urged them to be strong in these trying times and assured them that God is with them.
They all ended their speech with a message for the members present. They urged everyone to reflect and remember that this is not our final destination so we should be conscious of our actions.
PRAYERS
Hon. Perry Ackon of NUGS-Xiamen chapter led the prayer session, which was in three parts. The first prayer point was thanking God for blessing us with the late Emmanuel Oteng and asking that his impact will live on and be a blessing to others.
Secondly, we prayed that God would grant us the grace and ability to make the right decisions.
Lastly, we prayed for the family for grace and strength and that God should be their provider. He also shared a scripture from Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. NIV
TRIBUTE FROM FRIENDS
Dr. Kwasi Boakye Gyasi, Hon. Evans Mensah, Mr. Patrick Quaynoo, Hon. Richard Agyapong, Hon. Rockson Sai, Hon. Nii Longdon and Hon. Samuel Ofosu shared tributes in memory of the late Emmanuel Oteng.
CLOSURE
Hon. Nana Adwoa Effah Anokye, the Financial Controller of NUGS-China, gave the vote of thanks. Hon. Thompson Emmanuel Anu, NUGS Shanghai President, gave the closing prayer, and the program ended at 9:45 pm.
