Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of global Evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai at the age 80.
Dr Ukpai 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 in Ohafia Local Government Area of 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.
Also read:
- Ibadan funfair tragedy: President Tinubu mourns dead children, orders probe
- Tinubu mourns 100 victims, orders investigation into boat mishap
- Tinubu, Sanwo-olu and Fubaru in tears over Wigwe’s demise
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.
In statement seen online by Straightnews newspaper, Tinubu said ‘‘With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai. Rev. 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.
According to him, ‘‘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.’’
The President described Ukpai as ‘‘a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.’’
He noted that ‘‘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.’’
While commiserating with his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and his children, as well as members of his ministry, Tinubu enjoined them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God, praying God Almighty grant him eternal rest.
Recall that the family of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai has released an official statement confirming the passing of the renowned Nigerian evangelist.
In the statement shared on the official Instagram page of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, the family announced that Rev. Ukpai “passed on to glory on the 6th of October 2025, at the age of 80.”
They described him as “a faithful soldier of the Cross” who dedicated over six decades of his life to evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power, impacting millions of lives in Nigeria and across the globe.
The statement added that ‘‘Rev. Ukpai was a spiritual general, a founding father of faith, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a mentor to many,” noting that his life was a testament to God’s power and love.
While mourning his physical absence, the family said they rejoice that he “has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”
The family thanked God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy, quoting Philippians 1:21: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course.
