- Rev. Uma Ukpai was a respected preacher, teacher, and humanitarian who dedicated more than 60 years to spreading the gospel.
- Born in Abia State, he studied in Nigeria and abroad, earning multiple degrees.
- He was a founding member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, contributing greatly to the revival of Christianity.
- His wife, Pastor Philomena Ukpai, and their children continue his legacy of faith, education, and humanitarian work through his institutions and ministries.
Nigeria has lost one of its greatest evangelists, Rev. Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. The revered preacher was celebrated for his deep passion for evangelism, his commitment to faith, and his tireless service to humanity.
In a statement released by his family on Monday, they described him as a “faithful soldier of the cross” whose life and ministry touched millions of lives both within and outside Nigeria.
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“Rev. Ukpai spent over six decades preaching the gospel, teaching the Word of God, and performing miracles that changed lives. His life reflected God’s power and love for humanity,” the family said.
Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Uma Ukpai began his education in southeastern Nigeria before pursuing advanced studies abroad. He obtained several qualifications, including degrees in divinity, journalism, and electrical engineering. His academic pursuits shaped his lifelong mission to combine faith with service.
Ukpai founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Through this platform, he organised massive crusades across Nigeria and abroad that attracted thousands seeking healing and spiritual revival.
As a pioneer of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ukpai played a key role in uniting charismatic leaders and promoting spiritual awakening across the nation.
Beyond preaching, Rev. Ukpai was a firm believer in education and community development. He established the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, and the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, alongside the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, which supported countless students.
His humanitarian works extended to healthcare through the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Hospital in Abia State, serving residents of Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
Ukpai’s wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, stood beside him in ministry, and their marriage was blessed with children who continue to uphold his legacy of service and compassion.
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Over the course of six decades, Rev. Ukpai’s global outreach reached people across Africa, Europe, and America. His ministry inspired millions, shaped modern Pentecostalism in Nigeria, and strengthened faith communities around the world.
Though his passing marks the end of an era, his teachings and vision will continue to live through the many institutions and people he inspired.
