Photo: Late Rev. Anthony Kerimu Inaboya
By Daniel Kanu
I joined a solemn procession recently, precisely on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to lay one of God’s generals, Rev. Anthony Kerimu Inaboya, to rest after the burial service.
It was a quiet and reflective journey—one that spoke loudly about the fragile nature of human existence. Filled with hymns, prayers, and moments of deep reflection, the occasion delivered a powerful Christian truth: the vanity of life. Life on earth is temporary, but eternity is real.
Standing at the graveside during the interment, one could not escape the wisdom of Scripture: “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).
Earthly life, with all its pursuits and pressures, eventually comes to an end. Titles fade, possessions lose value, and human pride is humbled by the grave. The preacher in Ecclesiastes declares, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” This truth confronts us most clearly at burial grounds.
Death reminds us that life is not sustained by wealth or power, but by God’s purpose. What we accumulate may perish, but how we live before God and humanity echoes into eternity.
As tributes were offered in honour of the late Rev. Inaboya, people did not speak about material success or social status. Rather, they spoke of his kindness, faithfulness, humility, and service—qualities that gave his life meaning.
These are the fruits of a life rooted in Christ. These are the works that follow a believer beyond the grave.
Burial ceremonies are divine reminders calling believers to self-examination.
Christ Himself warned: “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?”
The certainty of death urges us to live righteously, love sincerely, forgive freely, and serve faithfully.
To live a good Christian life is to live for others, just as Christ lived for humanity. It is to reflect His compassion, walk in obedience, and leave behind testimonies that glorify God. Our lives should preach louder than our words, even in death.
There is a sacred question every burial asks: What legacy are we leaving behind? Will our lives point others to Christ? Will our faith inspire imitation?
The deceased we laid to rest left behind memories of a life that touched others quietly but profoundly—a life worthy of commendation.
As we departed the graveside, another Scripture echoed in my heart: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Death has a way of stripping life to its essentials. Wealth, power, titles, ambitions, and conflicts suddenly lose relevance. What remains are memories, character, and the impact a person made on others.
As I write this piece, I still picture the emotional moment when Pa Inaboya’s first son, Brother Faith, ran from the graveside in tears and asked his mother, “Mummy, are you saying we are not going to see Daddy again?”
Mama Inaboya remained strong throughout the moment. She did not collapse at the graveside because she understood that her husband’s life was patterned after heavenly values. She believes they will meet again on the resurrection morning.
Indeed, the passing of a God’s general like Rev. Anthony Kerimu Inaboya is not merely the departure of a man, but the transition of a shining light whose life illuminated countless paths.
His exit should not be mourned as those without hope, but celebrated as the glorious homecall of a man who poured out his life in service to God, humanity, and the advancement of His kingdom.
He lived beyond himself. He understood that true greatness is found not in titles or earthly possessions, but in sacrifice, compassion, and impact.
Through his unwavering faith, sound teachings, and tireless commitment to the Gospel, he nurtured souls, restored hope to the broken, and inspired generations to walk in righteousness.
Pa Inaboya’s voice was not heard only from the pulpit; it echoed through acts of kindness, mentorship, charity, and unwavering dedication to the growth of the Church and the wellbeing of society.
Late Rev Anthony Kerimu Inaboya stood as a moral compass in difficult times, a father to many, a comfort to the weary, and a servant-leader whose humility reflected Christ.
The legacy he leaves behind cannot be buried in the grave. It lives on in transformed lives, strengthened families, flourishing ministries, and communities touched by his generosity and wisdom.
His footprints remain deeply engraved in the sands of time.
Though tears may fall, heaven rejoices at the arrival of a faithful servant who fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
His life reminds us that the true measure of existence is not how long one lived, but how well one lived and how many lives were changed for the better.
May we honour his memory not only with words, but by continuing the work of love, faith, and service to humanity which he so passionately embodied.
As I left the graveside and moved toward the venue where the family entertained guests, everything about the moment underscored a simple truth: life is fleeting. No matter how full or busy our days may be, they eventually narrow to a single moment where all else fades away.
Farewell, Pa Anthony Kerimu Inaboya, Father of Antonia, Loveth, Divine, Blessed and Bro. Faith, now the father of the Anthony Inaboya dynasty.
Rest on, God’s General. Your labour was not in vain.
