Dr Sam Omale, has recalled with deep emotion, on his official Facebook account, how his enduring friendship and brotherhood with renowned Nigerian gospel minstrel, Dr Panam Percy Paul, began more than four decades ago, describing the encounter as the beginning of a relationship that has remained strong over the years.
Ourworldgistnews, gathered from his narration that his first encounter with Panam Percy Paul’s music came through a recorded tape in the early 1980s.
He recalled that the quality and distinctiveness of the singer’s voice initially made him believe that the singer was a white man.
“When I first heard his tape, I thought he was a white man singing,” Omale recalled, adding that his excitement knew no bounds when he eventually had the opportunity to meet the gospel minister in person.
He said the historic encounter took place around 1980 at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), where he watched Panam Percy Paul minister live.
Reflecting on the encounter, he said the experience left a lasting impression and marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship and brotherhood that has endured for decades.
Omale also spoke about the significant role Panam Percy Paul’s music played in his academic journey, particularly during his Master’s degree programme at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
He said Panam’s Glory I album became a source of inspiration, encouragement and emotional strength during that period.
He noted that people around him regularly heard him playing the album and singing along to its songs, particularly the popular track, “I Am Serving a Living God,” which he described as his personal anthem.
He further explained that the music provided him with comfort and renewed strength as he navigated the challenges and pressures he encountered during his time in Enugu.
“His music healed and encouraged me through the turbulence I endured during my time in Enugu,” he said.
Omale also recalled the impact of Glory II, describing it as a project that elevated Panam Percy Paul’s musical ministry to another level.
He revealed that he had the privilege of hosting the entire team when they travelled to Lagos to record the album, an experience he described as another memorable chapter in their long-standing relationship.
Beyond Panam’s musical gift, however, Omale said what has continued to fascinate him over the years is the minstrel’s remarkable character and disposition.
Speaking about Panam’s character, he observed that despite the length of their relationship, he is yet to see Panam Percy Paul become angry or visibly agitated.
“To this day, I am still waiting for the day I see him get angry. I have never seen him agitated or upset by anything,” he said.
Omale described Panam Percy Paul as a remarkable man whose life reflects meekness, gentleness, love, generosity and exceptional patience.
He said the gospel minister’s influence extends beyond music, noting that his character and commitment to the Christian faith have made him a source of inspiration to many people who have encountered his ministry.
He further noted that the story of his relationship with Panam Percy Paul is therefore not merely about music or friendship, but also about the enduring impact of a life devoted to service, faith and the uplifting of others.
He prayed for continued divine blessings and greater anointing upon the veteran gospel minstrel, expressing confidence that Panam Percy Paul still has greater exploits ahead of him.
“May God continue to bless him and anoint him for even greater exploits,” Omale said, before celebrating the veteran gospel minister as “this Minstrel of the Lord Most High.”
For Omale, a friendship that began with the unexpected discovery of a distinctive voice on a tape in the early 1980s has grown into a decades-long bond one sustained by faith, music, brotherhood and mutual admiration
