President Bola Tinubu has decried the passing of legendary evangelist and Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association founder, Dr. Uma Ukpai, who was a dedicated servant of God whose life exemplified faith, love, and unity.
In a statement personally signed on Monday, Tinubu mourned the late Ukpai as “one of God’s generals, full of fire and ice for the gospel,” recalling his contribution to Nigeria’s Christian revival movement and his effort to impose peace and love in the nation.
“Dr. Ukpai was not only a preacher of the Word but a doer of good works. He built men and bridges, bringing faiths, people, tongues, and tribes together. He has fulfilled his divine mandate and has gone to greet the Lord,” the President stated.
Tinubu also recounted Ukpai’s landmark crusades including the Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade (1982) and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade (1985) describing them as defining moments in Nigeria’s spiritual awakening.
He praised the evangelist’s humanitarian initiatives, such as the founding of schools, hospitals, and charities that uplifted the poor and underprivileged. The President extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and members of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, praying for divine comfort and strength.
Across the country, the fallen pastor has been drenched in accolades with people extolling him as a pioneer who preached the gospel in courage and transformed thousands of lives through his ministry.
A family statement authenticated that Dr. Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. “We celebrate the triumphal homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who dedicated over six decades to fiery evangelism and prophetic expressions of the demonstration of God’s power,” announced the family.
Born in Ohafia, Abia State, the evangelist began ministry at age 12 following a meeting with late Akanu Ibiam, the then-governor of the defunct Eastern Region. He preached in nearly every country, including Russia, and was renowned for his miracle crusades, healing ministry, and commitment to education through the King of Kings Hospital and Uma Ukpai University, formerly Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga Ohafia.
Arrangements for his burial will be made public by his family in good time.
