President Bola Tinubu, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have joined Christians across the country to mourn the death of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the PFN, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
In a personal tribute issued on Monday, President Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the faith and a firebrand,” whose ministry influenced generations in Nigeria and beyond.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” Tinubu said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
Tinubu recalled that the renowned evangelist, born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, overcame humble beginnings to answer God’s call and led powerful revival movements in Nigeria and across Africa.
“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria in the 1980s. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” the President said.
Tinubu commended Ukpai’s efforts to unite Christians, promote peace, and support the less privileged through schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations. “Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread harmony. He was a builder—of men, bridges, and faith,” Tinubu added.
He extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and the entire ministry, praying for strength and comfort for the family.
The Christian Association of Nigeria also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria,” whose evangelistic ministry spanned more than six decades.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said Ukpai’s life was devoted to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations.
“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond,” Okoh said. “Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.”
CAN extended condolences to his wife, family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the global Christian community, praying that God comforts them in this period of loss.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described Ukpai as “a soldier of Christ who has gone to be with the Lord,” adding that his death created a significant vacuum in Christendom and in the state.
In a statement by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said the late evangelist was “a revered man of God and one of Abia’s most celebrated religious ambassadors,” recalling their close relationship.
“Our father in the Lord, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the heavens and celebration of angels, gone to be with the Lord,” Otti said. “He was a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing the sick and salvation of souls.”
The governor prayed that God would strengthen Ukpai’s family and uphold the legacy of faith he left behind.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also honoured the late evangelist, describing him as “a father of faith, a trailblazing evangelist, and one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the PFN said Ukpai’s passing came at a time when preparations were ongoing for the Fellowship’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
“Pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a unifying force in the Body of Christ,” Bishop Oke said. “His tireless labour in soul-winning, revival crusades, and interdenominational harmony remains an eternal legacy.”
He added that the upcoming PFN @ 40 Thanksgiving and Celebration would be officially dedicated to Ukpai’s memory “as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation.”
Bishop Oke extended condolences to the Ukpai family and ministry, praying that “the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthen us all at this time.”