Israel Umoh
During his lifetime, Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, the renowned international gospel evangelist, stoutly built with intimidating gait and mesmerizing mien, was widely seen as Àkwa Ibom man.
His sojourn in the land that spanned more than four decades lent credence to the belief by many. The founder and President of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, took the gospel of Jesus from there to different villages, cities, states and countries across the world.
In his evangelistic expansion, Kingdom business and Pentecostal mission, he turned Uyo, then local government headquarters now a state capital, to a household name at the global circle.
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But in immortalizing him, some sculptors crafted and erected Rev. Uma Ukpai’s statue at the centre of Asaga, his birthplace, thus setting the internet abuzz and many tongues wagging. Among his outstanding legacies are the establishment of Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies along Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, Abia; Uma Ukpai King of Kings Hospital, Abia; Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, Arochukwu LGA, Abia State. For decades, Rev. Ukpai staked his life to outpouring of miracles, healing, educating, and uplifting many.
The death of the God’s General painted his village red following a neatly sculptured statue erected in commemoration of his worthy legacies that earned the title of this piece: The status-like Clergyman of Asaga.
The statue of the God’s General who died in October 2025, stirred public curiosity about Asaga, the hilly country side and one of the 26 traditional villages making up Ohafia in Abia, Nigeria. The place noted for traditional wrestling and war dance has become an emergency global village and tourist destination.
Erected close to the entrance of his country home, the elegant statue standing on a pedestal painted with deep-blue and high flowing chieftaincy attire known in Igbo Language as Uwe ogologo ndị eze (a long robe worn by chiefs) with smiling visage and holding a Bible on the left hand sparks buzz among the visitors and the indigenes.
During his homegoing journey, the Àkwa Ibom deputy governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi handed over Uma’s corpse to the Abia State deputy governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu at the border between Nto Ndang in Obot Akara, Àkwa Ibom and Ariam in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia early on Thursday, 26 March, 2026.
Later same day, the Abia State Government conducted a state burial service for the renowned global evangelist, Rev. Dr. Ukpai, who died at the age of 80.
The solemn event held at International Conference Centre, Umuahia, drew dignitaries, clergymen, and mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, charged Nigerians to live upright and impactful lives so they would be remembered positively after death.
According to the governor, the late cleric did not truly die but merely transitioned, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service.
“How can he die? You can see the children he raised and the great works he accomplished. The challenge before all of us is this: what will people say when it is our turn?” Otti stated.
Governor Otti thanked God for the life and contributions of Rev. Ukpai, describing him as a gift not only to Abia State but to Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
He emphasised that the decision to accord him a state burial was rooted in the principle of giving honour to whom it is due.
He also appreciated his widow, Pastor Mrs. Philomena, for granting the state permission to honour her late husband, urging the family to grieve with hope.
“You may weep, but not like those without hope… On the resurrection morning, we shall meet again,” he added.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by deputy governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, described Ukpai as a visionary who lived a fulfilled and exemplary life.
In their tributes, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), through its National Secretary, Rev. (Prof.) Mosy Madugba, described the deceased as a global voice and a unifier in the body of Christ.
The PFN noted that it was the first time the organisation placed its flag on the coffin of any individual in Nigeria, underscoring the uniqueness of his legacy.
In his sermon, the PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, emphasised the need for a righteous life, stressing that salvation through Christ is the key to a glorious end.
Speaking on the theme: “Let Me Die the Death of the Righteous” from Numbers 23:10, he highlighted Rev. Ukpai’s life as a model of holiness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the gospel.
“He did not serve money or corrupt the gospel. He lived a life of holiness, and God honoured him with a glorious end,” Bishop Oke said.
In a vote of thanks, the first son of the deceased, Dr. Chidi Uma, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti and all attendees for their support during the family’s time of grief.
He assured that the family would uphold the spiritual legacy established by their father.
The event attracted several high-profile personalities, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Doye Diri; the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; lawmakers, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers led by Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, and numerous religious leaders.
The burial ceremony featured soul-lifting choir renditions and prayers for the bereaved family, celebrating the impactful life and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.
On Friday, 27 March, 2026, an interment service was held at Coronata School Field, Asaga, Ohafia. Therafter his remains were interred in his compound in Asaga.
