By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Nigeria has lost one of its foremost Christian leaders and evangelists, Rev. Uma Ukpai, who passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The revered preacher, teacher, and humanitarian was widely celebrated for his fiery evangelism and enduring contributions to the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Monday, his family described him as a “faithful soldier of the cross” whose life was a testament to God’s love and power.
The statement read in parts, “Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.
“He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, loving husband, devoted father and mentor to many, and his life was a testament to God’s power and love.
“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”
Below are key things to know about the late renowned evangelist:
Birth and early life
Uma Ukpai was born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
He grew up in Southeastern Nigeria, where he began his early education before embarking on a lifelong journey of faith and service.
Education
He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, and Khana County Council School, Ogoni, before proceeding to All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and the Niger Delta Technical School (now Boys Technical College, Aba).
Ukpai later studied abroad, earning qualifications from several institutions, including the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, UK, South Florida Christian College, Carolina Christian University, and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA.
He held a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and Bachelor’s and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity.
Minstry founder
Ukpai was the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, a non-denominational Christian ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Through the UUEA, he organised large-scale gospel crusades that drew massive crowds and became known for miracles, healing, and soul-winning.
Pentecostal pioneer
He was a founding leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the umbrella body uniting Pentecostal and Charismatic churches across the nation. His efforts helped shape the Pentecostal revival of the 1970s and 1980s, bringing together believers under one spiritual vision.
Marriage and family
Ukpai was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, also a minister of the gospel. Their marriage was blessed with children.
Educational and humanitarian projects
Beyond preaching, Ukpai was passionate about education and healthcare. He established the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, and the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, which supported students from diverse backgrounds.
He also founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Hospital, a specialist healthcare facility in Abia State serving residents of Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
Global impact and legacy
With a ministry spanning over six decades, Rev. Ukpai’s evangelistic outreach reached millions across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
His messages of faith, healing, and hope inspired generations of Christians and contributed significantly to the growth of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.
Ukpai will be remembered as a spiritual general, teacher of faith, and mentor to many, whose legacy continues to inspire Christians around the world.
The Punch