Nigeria’s foremost evangelist and Christian leader, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has passed away at the age of 80.
His death was confirmed on social media by Prophet Joel Ogebe, who wrote:
“A giant has gone to be with the Lord. 😢 My father, my father, the chariot of Israel. Heaven rejoices. Uyo.”
The news of Rev. Ukpai’s passing has sent shockwaves across the Christian community, both in Nigeria and abroad, where he was widely respected for his decades of evangelistic ministry and humanitarian impact.
Rev. Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) — a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — was known for his fiery preaching, healing crusades, and commitment to unity within the body of Christ.
Born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Ukpai converted to Christianity in 1958 and dedicated his life to spreading the gospel across Nigeria and beyond. He was also one of the pioneering members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), playing a key role in strengthening the Pentecostal movement across the nation.
His early life was marked by hardship. After losing his father at the age of 10, Ukpai once recalled how the experience shaped his compassion for the poor and underprivileged.
“I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age,” he once said. “The stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.”
Rev. Ukpai’s ministry spanned over six decades, drawing millions to Christ through crusades, leadership conferences, and evangelistic outreaches.
Tributes have begun pouring in from religious leaders, politicians, and followers who describe him as “a father of faith,” “a general in God’s army,” and “a voice that inspired revival in Africa.”
Details surrounding his passing and funeral arrangements are yet to be officially announced by his family or the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.
This is a developing story.
