By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Mourners thronged Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, on Friday as the remains of the popular preacher, Rev. Azzaman, were laid to rest in an emotional ceremony attended by Christian leaders, politicians, and followers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Rev. Azzaman, known for his fiery sermons and unwavering calls for justice, tragically died in a fatal auto crash on May 24. His funeral service at Kings Worship Chapel and Ministry Inc. was marked by heartfelt worship, tears, and glowing tributes.
Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described Azzaman as “a fearless soldier of Christ” who never hesitated to speak truth to power.
“He preached with courage and boldness,” Hayab said. “He was committed to justice and never shied away from confronting the powers that be. You may not always agree with him, but he voiced concerns that many share and spoke them as they were.”
Also speaking, Rev. Dr. Sam Magaji Albert, General Overseer of Kings Worship Chapel, called the funeral a “global event,” highlighting the late preacher’s influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“It’s not how far but how well,” he said. “Within a short time, God used him mightily. He touched lives in Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond.”
Born on December 8, 1970, in Samaru-Zaria, Kaduna State, Rev. Azzaman studied at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He worked as a teacher and banker before answering the call to full-time ministry. Until his death, he served as Assistant General Overseer at Kings Worship Chapel, where his unique blend of spiritual depth, activism, and blunt truth-telling earned him both admiration and controversy.
Among the dignitaries at the funeral were Kaduna CAN Chairman Rev. Caleb Ma’ji; former Labour Party governorship candidate Jonathan Asake; PDP State Chairman Chief Edward Percy Masha; members of the House of Representatives; and church leaders from Nigeria and abroad.
As Rev. Azzaman’s body was committed to the earth, the air was filled with worship songs and cries of grief, evidence of a man whose ministry transcended religious and ethnic boundaries.
Though Rev. Azzaman is gone, many believe his legacy will endure, particularly among young converts and outspoken Christian leaders. His boldness, they say, will continue to inspire clergy to speak up for their flock and champion justice without fear.
On her part, the deceased wife, Mrs. Agatha Ninali Ayuba in a calm and resolute tone, told mourners: “Nobody killed my husband. I have no regrets. I am at peace. He passed a legacy of peace, hope and courage.”
His daughter, Ann Iya Ayuba, also described her father as a man of integrity who practiced what he preached. “He wasn’t a hypocrite,” she said. “Everything he taught in church, he lived out at home and in public.”
Also, former Fulani Muslims who converted to Christianity under the ministry of the late Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman have pledged to continue his legacy of bold evangelism, fearless preaching, and unshaken faith.
the converts headed by Evangelist Mohammed Mohammed described Azzaman as a spiritual father and mentor who led them to Christ and imparted in them the courage to stand for truth.
“Elijah is gone, but the Elishas are here,” declared Evangelist Mohammed from Niger Republic.
“He imparted in us a fearless mind, and we will not stop. We will continue with the legacy of our late father.”
In a separate interview, Hon. Jonathan Asake, former Kaduna State Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, said the late preacher was mourned not just in Kaduna State but nationwide because of what he stood for, lived for, and died for.
“Azzaman was a dogged fighter for social justice. He stood for the defense of his faith and against anything that is not true. He was a gallant soldier of Christ who stood against marginalization and persecution of any kind,” Asake said, stressing that Azzaman stood for humanity.
The Kaduna State PDP Chairman and Chairman of the 19 Northern PDP Chairmen, Hon. Edward Percy Masha, said the Christian community lost a soldier of Christ who loved peace and promoted the welfare of the people.
“He has gone, but he left a legacy that everyone promotes. He was known for speaking the truth as it is,” Masha said.
“The testimonies we received today spoke volumes about who Azzaman was. He was my colleague in the banking sector, from Lion Bank to Diamond Bank. He was a fearless man who loved virtually everybody.”
He added, “A void has been created. The Christian community is touched, but we are certain the work he left behind will be carried on. There are people who will take up this work now bestowed on us, to live good lives, love our neighbors, and be kind to one another.”
