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By Our Reporter

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, Nigeria’s iconic evangelist, teacher, and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), has passed away at the age of 80. His family announced that he died peacefully on October 6, 2025, leaving behind a towering spiritual and humanitarian legacy that transformed the landscape of Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria and beyond.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Dr. Ukpai’s early life was marked by hardship and deep faith. Losing his father at the age of ten forced him into adult responsibilities early, shaping the compassion, discipline, and resilience that later defined his ministry.

A lifelong learner, he studied journalism, television production, and theology both in Nigeria and overseas — training that helped him spread the gospel with conviction and creativity.

Family and Faith

In 1975, Dr. Ukpai married Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his lifelong partner in ministry. Together, they built a family rooted in love, service, and faith, raising eight biological children and one adopted child. Their faith was severely tested when two of their children died in a car accident on the same day — a tragedy he bore with uncommon courage and unwavering trust in God.

Ministry and Impact

From his base in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Ukpai established the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, which became a beacon of revival, healing, and hope. A founding member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), he was instrumental in shaping the rise of Pentecostalism in the country, mentoring generations of pastors and evangelists.

His humanitarian legacy includes the Uma Ukpai School of Theology, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, and the King of Kings Hospital — all of which continue to serve thousands across Nigeria.

A Life Well Lived

Dr. Ukpai’s passing marks the end of an era but the continuation of a powerful spiritual legacy. He is survived by his wife, Philomena, their children, and countless spiritual protégés across the world.

Tributes have poured in, describing him as “a faithful soldier of the cross, whose words and works will forever echo across Nigeria’s Christian landscape.”

In his own words, Rev. Ukpai often declared:

“To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Indeed, he has now bowed out gracefully — a general of faith returning home.

Reacting to Rev Ukpai’s death, President Bola Tinubu mourns, stating: “With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai. Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”

“Dr Ukpai, who died at age 80, was an international evangelist, leader of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).”

“Born in the small town of Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, Evangelist Ukpai went through his paces, enduring challenges while passing through school. But God had his purpose well defined. He obeyed the divine call and impacted generations with his ministry.”

“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand.”

“I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact.”

“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes.”

“He was also a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.”

“Dr Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

“I pray that God Almighty grant him eternal rest.”

“I commiserate with his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and his children, as well as members of his ministry. I encourage them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God.”