…Family Describes Death As Triumphant Home-Going
President Bola Tinubu has joined millions worldwide in mourning the death of renowned global evangelist, Rev.Dr Uma Ukpai who died at the age of 80.
In a tribute he personally signed, said it was with heavy heart he mourns the demise of ‘One of God’s Generals’.
‘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.’
He noted ‘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 firebrand leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. .
President Tinubu stated “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.”
President Tinubu submitted ”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,” he concluded.
…Family Describes Death As Triumphant Home-Going
In the meantime, the announcement of his demise was made on his official Instagram page, @Uma_Ukpai, on Monday, confirming that the renowned Nigeria global evangelist died on October 6, 2025.
In a statement titled “With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant home-going of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai,” his family expressed deep appreciation to God for his life of impact and service.
The statement read: “With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant home-going of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The firebrand soldier of the cross dedicated “ Over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power. He impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies in Nigeria and across the globe.”
“He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many.”
The life De Uma Ukpai was a manifestation of God’s power and love. “While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.
The family said details of the obsequies will be announced in due course.
“We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. For indeed, ‘to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ Phil 1:21.”
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s ministry was non-denominational, and he led the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He is survived by his wife, children, and spiritual protégés.