Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, the revered international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, has passed away at the age of 80.
His family confirmed the news in a statement titled “Glorious Transition,” announcing that the spiritual leader went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2025.
Describing him as “a faithful soldier of the cross,” the family highlighted his over six decades of passionate ministry marked by fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power. According to the statement, his work transformed countless lives across Nigeria and around the world.
“We celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on October 6, 2025. A spiritual general and founding father of faith, he was a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many. While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and now rests in eternal praise. Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course,” the statement read.
The news of his passing was also shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @therealchurchgist, a Christian news platform, which posted:
“A GENERAL TAKES A BOW! EVANGELIST UMA UKPAI HAS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD. REST IN POWER SIR! MORE DETAILS SHORTLY…”
A Life of Service and Legacy
Born on January 7, 1945, Rev. Uma Ukpai hailed from Asaga in Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria. He converted to Christianity in 1958 after facing early life struggles, including the death of his father when he was just 10 years old. Reflecting on his challenging beginnings, he once said:
“I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age… I learnt early enough to know that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.”
Education and Qualifications
Rev. Ukpai pursued extensive education both locally and internationally. He attended:
• Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga
• Khana County Council School, Ogoni
• All Saints Secondary School, Aba
• Niger Delta Technical School (now Boys Technical College), Aba
He later earned certifications and degrees from institutions such as:
• School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, UK
• South Florida Christian College, Miami, USA
• Carolina Christian University and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA
He held qualifications in Electrical Engineering Practice, Journalism, and Divinity, including both Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees in Divinity.
Family Life
Rev. Uma Ukpai was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai. Their marriage was blessed with eight children and an adopted child. Tragically, two of their children died in a car accident on the same day—a loss he carried with grace and unwavering faith.
Ministry and Evangelism
Rev. Ukpai was known for his bridge-building ministry, working across denominations through his evangelistic crusades and prophetic ministry. He was a founding figure in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), a movement birthed after his landmark “Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade” in 1985.
His ministry, Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, continues to be one of the primary supporters of the PFN.
Crusades and Outreach
He led numerous citywide and national crusades including:
• Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade (yearly)
• Anioma One-million Man Crusade (2016, with Dr. Celestine Iwendi)
• Nsukka Crusade (2012)
• Greater Ibadan for Christ (1982)
• Greater Lagos for Christ (1985)
These events were known for miraculous healings, deliverance, and soul-winning.
Healthcare and Education Contributions
Rev. Ukpai’s impact extended into healthcare and education:
• Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and King of Kings Hospital serve communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
• He founded Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, and the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation.
• He also established an affiliate of the Joseph Business School in Nigeria, connected to the U.S.-based school in Chicago.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, service, and transformative ministry. His life continues to inspire millions to walk boldly in faith and compassion.
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21
