President Bola Tinubu, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have joined the Christian body to mourn the death of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
In a personal tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the faith and a firebrand,” whose life and ministry shaped generations across Nigeria and beyond.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” the President said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
Tinubu recalled that the renowned evangelist, born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, overcame humble beginnings and many challenges to answer God’s call, leading powerful revival movements in Nigeria and parts of Africa.
“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria in the 1980s. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” he said.
The President praised Ukpai’s lifelong efforts to unite the Christian fold, promote peace, and uplift the underprivileged through schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations.
“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread harmony. He was a builder—of men, bridges, and faith,” Tinubu added. “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
Tinubu extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and the entire ministry, praying that God grants them strength and solace.
The Christian Association of Nigeria described Rev Ukpai as “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria,” whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said Ukpai’s life was dedicated to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.
“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond,” Okoh stated. “Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.”
CAN extended its condolences to his wife, family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the global Christian community, praying that “the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the strength to bear this great loss.”
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the late evangelist as “a soldier of Christ who has gone to be with the Lord,” noting that his death created a massive vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the nation.
In a statement by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said Ukpai was “a revered man of God and one of Abia’s most celebrated religious ambassadors,” recalling their long-standing father-son relationship.
“Our father in the Lord, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the heavens and celebration of angels, gone to be with the Lord,” Otti said. “He was a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing the sick and salvation of souls.”
The governor described his passing not as death but as “a journey to higher glory,” praying that God would strengthen his family and uphold the enduring fire of faith he ignited in the vineyard of the Lord.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as “a father of faith, a trailblazing evangelist, and one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Fellowship said Ukpai’s passing came at a sensitive time, as preparations were underway for the PFN’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
“Pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a unifying force in the Body of Christ,” Bishop Oke said. “His tireless labour in soul-winning, revival crusades, and interdenominational harmony remains an eternal legacy.”
He added that the forthcoming PFN @ 40 Thanksgiving and Celebration would be officially dedicated to Ukpai’s memory “as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation.”
Bishop Oke extended condolences to Ukpai’s family and ministry, praying that “the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthen us all at this time.” (Punch)
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