Charismatic international evangelist, Rev. Uma Ukpai, who is the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, is dead.
Rev. Uma died at the age of 80.
His family confirmed his demise on Monday.
According to a statement signed by the family and entitled “Glorious Transition,” Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The family described him as “a faithful soldier of the cross” who dedicated over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God.
The statement added that his ministry impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies both within Nigeria and around the world.
The statement reads below:
“Glorious Transition With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.
“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. Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course by the family. We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.
“For indeed, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Phil 1:21.
The news of his death was shared on X by @therealchurchgist, a platform dedicated to sharing news about happenings in churches in Nigeria.
It tweeted: “A GENERAL TAKES A BOW! EVANGELIST UMA UKPAI HAS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD. REST IN POWER SIR! MORE DETAILS SHORTLY…
Uma Ukpai was born on January 7, 1945. He was a Christian leader, an international evangelist, and preacher from Nigeria.
He was the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
He was also a key leader of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, being a founder of the movement.
■ Early life
An Igbo man from Asaga in Ohafia, Abia State, Uma Ukpai converted to Christianity in 1958.
His father died when Ukpai was age 10. Uma Ukpai describing how his early life challenges nearly impaired his career development remarked “I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I know what it is to save money to pay school fees. So, I have feelings for the poor. I learnt early enough to know that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.”
■ Education and Qualification
He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, and Khana County Council School, Ogoni.
Uma passed through All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and Niger Delta Technical School, now Boys Technical College, Aba.
Uma Ukpai graduated from the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College Miami, Florida, USA; Carolina Christian University and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA.
He holds a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, a Bachelor and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity.
■ Family
Uma is married to Philomena Uma Ukpai, a pastor. Their marriage produced 8 children and an adopted child. Uma Ukpai lost 2 of his children in a car accident on the same day.
■ Ministry
Uma Ukpai is called to build bridges between different denominations through his evangelistic, prophetic and crusade ministry.
For more than 30 years, the ministry has run a medical outreach whilst doing the work of God.
Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, UUEA, is one of the financiers of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN).
■ Crusades
Uma Ukpai held many citywide crusades all over Nigeria. He held a yearly crusade, Greater Ohafia For Christ Crusade, and in collaboration with Dr Celestine Iwendi – a lecturer and the Pastor in charge at The Comfort Zone Ministries, Uma holds Anioma One-million Man Crusade, 2016, where a lot of miracles took place, healing and deliverance as such too Nsukka 2012, and Greater Ibadan for Christ 1982.
It was his Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade of 1985 that gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
■ Medical Outreach
Uma Ukpai was the chairman of Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, and King of Kings Hospital, a specialist hospital in Abia State, that services communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
■ Academic Institutions
He was the proprietor of Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic Asaga, Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation and Joseph business school, affiliate of Joseph business school Chicago, USA.
