Nigeria’s Christian community has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a world-renowned evangelist, teacher, and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA). The respected cleric died peacefully at the age of 80, after a lifetime of tireless service to the gospel and humanity.
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| Uma Ukpai... photo credit facebook |
His family confirmed the sad development in a statement expressing gratitude for his life of impact, even as they mourn his departure. According to them, Dr. Ukpai lived a life fully dedicated to preaching the word of God, mentoring leaders, and bringing hope to millions through faith and compassion.
“Daddy has finished his race and gone to be with the Lord,” the statement read. “We are comforted by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and left behind an enduring legacy of faith, unity, and service to humanity.”
The family also announced that burial arrangements would be made public soon, asking for prayers and privacy during this period of mourning.
A Humble Beginning and a Divine Calling
Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s story was one of humble beginnings transformed by divine purpose. Losing his father at the young age of 10 was a defining moment that introduced him early to hardship, responsibility, and the reality of life’s struggles. Yet, those early challenges would later shape his compassion and empathy for the poor, the sick, and the brokenhearted.
He embraced Christianity as a teenager, after a powerful personal encounter that ignited his passion for evangelism. From then, he devoted his entire life to spreading the gospel across Nigeria and the world, preaching in crusades that drew thousands and inspired countless testimonies of transformation.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rev. Ukpai’s ministry was characterized by humility and inclusiveness. He crossed denominational boundaries, preaching unity among Christians, and emphasizing the need for righteousness and service over personal glory. His sermons were known not only for their fiery passion but also for their depth, wisdom, and practical insight into daily living.
Building a Global Ministry
Over the course of more than six decades, Uma Ukpai built one of Nigeria’s most respected evangelistic ministries. His organization, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, became a center for large-scale outreach and humanitarian service.
Through the association, he organized numerous revival meetings, leadership conferences, and healing crusades that touched lives across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Many of his events filled stadiums, with participants traveling long distances to witness his messages of faith, deliverance, and divine restoration.
Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Ukpai was passionate about education and human development. He established scholarship programs for underprivileged youths, supported widows, and initiated several community development projects aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He also founded the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic and the Uma Ukpai School of Theology, institutions aimed at equipping both professionals and ministers with knowledge, skill, and spiritual discipline. Through these platforms, he mentored hundreds of pastors and gospel workers who now lead ministries around the world.
A Voice of Unity and Hope
Throughout his ministry, Dr. Ukpai remained one of the most respected voices of unity in the Nigerian church. He was instrumental in bringing together leaders from different denominations, encouraging cooperation rather than competition among churches. His message was simple yet powerful: “The body of Christ must stand as one, because the world is watching.”
He often spoke about the role of faith in national transformation. In his view, spiritual revival was the foundation for any meaningful social or political change. He believed that Nigeria’s destiny could only be fulfilled through righteousness, peace, and justice inspired by godly leadership.
During times of national tension, he was known for calling for peace and dialogue, urging Nigerians to love one another regardless of tribe, faith, or political leaning. His ability to speak truth to power without bitterness earned him admiration across divides.
Even in his later years, when age and health slowed his pace, he remained active in mentoring younger ministers and participating in prayer meetings. His presence alone, calm yet commanding, inspired reverence and faith in those around him.
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
The news of Dr. Ukpai’s passing has triggered an outpouring of emotion from around the country. Tributes have been pouring in from religious leaders, politicians, and ordinary Nigerians whose lives were touched by his ministry.
Many described him as a spiritual father, a teacher, and a man of uncommon faith. Others remember him for his compassion and his insistence that true Christianity must be demonstrated through service to others.
Christian leaders have hailed him as one of the pioneers of modern evangelism in Nigeria, placing him among the great revivalists who shaped the country’s spiritual landscape in the post-independence era. His evangelistic crusades from the 1970s through the 1990s were instrumental in spreading the gospel message to both urban and rural communities at a time when Nigeria was deeply divided by regional and religious tension.
Dr. Ukpai’s message consistently emphasized forgiveness, moral discipline, and the power of prayer. His teachings on faith and perseverance inspired many to believe in miracles and to see God’s hand in everyday life.
Those close to him often speak of his humility despite his fame. He was known to travel modestly, spend hours in prayer before major events, and interact freely with people from all walks of life. His laughter, wit, and fatherly advice endeared him to both young and old.
Survived by Family and Followers
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai is survived by his wife, Pastor Dr. Mrs. Philomena Ukpai, their children, and numerous spiritual sons and daughters who carry on his legacy around the world. His family remains deeply involved in the ministry and has vowed to continue his vision of evangelism, service, and love.
In a brief address, one of his senior associates described him as “a man who lived his life for others and never stopped believing that the gospel of Christ could change any life, no matter how broken.”
Plans are underway for a week-long celebration of life that will include a memorial service in Uyo, where his ministry is headquartered, followed by tributes across major cities in Nigeria. The family has also announced that his burial will be conducted with dignity and simplicity, in line with his lifelong preference for humility.
A Life Well Lived
As tributes continue to pour in, one message remains constant — Dr. Uma Ukpai’s life was one of total devotion to God and humanity. From the dusty villages of Abia to international platforms across continents, he carried a single message: that God’s power can transform lives and nations.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to echo through generations. Churches he helped build, leaders he mentored, and souls he led to faith all stand as living testimonies to his impact.
In the words of one of his most famous sermons, he once said, “The measure of a man’s success is not in the wealth he leaves behind, but in the lives he has changed.”
Indeed, by that measure, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai succeeded beyond measure. He lived with purpose, led with conviction, and finished his race in faith.
As Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most beloved evangelists, the heavens surely welcome a soldier of Christ who fought the good fight and kept the faith.
By all accounts, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s life was not just long, but meaningful, a shining example of what it means to live for God and for others. His journey may have ended on earth, but his voice of faith, hope, and love will never be forgotten.
BY SUNDAY U.