President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as “an anointed crusader of the faith filled with fire and ice for the gospel.”
The President praised Dr. Ukpai for his life of devotion, saying he was a spiritual leader who played a vital role in spreading revival across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Tinubu referred to Dr. Ukpai as “one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa.” He noted that the late evangelist’s mission was to promote unity among Christians and people of other faiths while fostering peace and harmony.
The President said: “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.”
Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed away at the age of 80, was an international evangelist, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and one of the founding members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). Born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, he rose from humble beginnings, enduring several challenges while pursuing his education. However, his unwavering faith and obedience to God’s call led him to become a beacon of hope and transformation to countless lives through his ministry.
President Tinubu reflected on some of Dr. Ukpai’s memorable crusades that shaped Nigeria’s Christian landscape, recalling the “Greater Ibadan for Christ” crusade in 1982 and the “Greater Lagos for Christ” crusade in 1985 — two landmark events that drew massive crowds and renewed faith across the nation.
According to the President, “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.”
Tinubu also highlighted Dr. Ukpai’s humanitarian contributions, noting his establishment of schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations that provided for the less privileged. “He was also a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged,” the President added.
The President said Dr. Ukpai had completed his divine assignment and gone to be with the Lord, saying, “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
President Tinubu prayed for God to grant the late evangelist eternal rest and comfort his family. “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 said.
What you should know
Dr. Uma Ukpai, a revered Nigerian evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, passed away at 80.
President Tinubu hailed him as a firebrand preacher whose revival crusades and humanitarian works left a lasting impact on Christianity and society across Africa.
