Often referred to as the father of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, Ukpai founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelical Association (UUEA) in the 1970s, building it into a non-denominational platform for crusades, healing outreach, leadership training and humanitarian initiatives across the country. The ministry, headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, later became a spiritual center known for hosting mid-week worship services that attracted many believers and seekers from across the region. For fifty years, Uk’s evangelism—marked by bold sermons, compelling altar calls and testimonies of healing—became a fixture on the Nigerian Christian calendar. His annual “Uma Ukpai Miracle Convention” ranks as one of the most anticipated Christian gatherings in the country.
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| Dr. Uma Ukpai |
Born in Asaga in Ohafia LGA of Abia State in 1945, Ukpai often shares how early personal losses and difficulties shaped his mission. Although he was trained in engineering, he ultimately dedicated his life to ministry and later received multiple honorary doctorates in theology and Christian leadership. He is married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his long-time ministry partner. Together they raised a family and spearheaded charitable work that reflected his belief that faith must be both practical and compassionate. Through UUEA’s social impact arm, Ukpai established the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Management Studies and the Uma Ukpai Eye Center in Uyo, which are dedicated to developing Christian leaders and providing free or subsidized eye care to the poor.
Ukpai’s message centers on faith, forgiveness, integrity and national unity. His persistence in humility and servant leadership during Nigeria’s tumultuous political transition has earned him respect across sectarian and ethnic lines. Many church leaders today consider his guidance and crusades crucial to their own spiritual journeys. He has forged partnerships among global evangelists, taking his ministry to several African countries, Europe and the United States, strengthening his role as a bridge-builder within the broader body of Christ.
Condolences poured in after news of his death broke. President Bola Tinubu hailed him as “a beacon of faith whose voice inspired millions and strengthened the moral foundation of the country”. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) hailed him as “a unified voice for justice and truth” and Archbishop Daniel Okoh noted that Uk’s ministry “touched lives across denominations”. In January 2025, followers gifted Ukpai £80 million during his 80th birthday, with Governor Umo Eno describing him as “God’s gift to Akwa Ibom State”. Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who preached at the celebrations, recalled the strength he drew from Uke during the darkest moments of losing his son, describing the evangelist as “extremely special” to him and the global Christian community.
Despite health challenges in recent weeks, people close to the family say Ukpai’s transition has been peaceful. The UUEA announced plans to hold a week-long celebration of life, starting with a night of remembrance in Uyo and ending with a thanksgiving ceremony in Asaga, Abia State. For countless Nigerians, Uke’s legacy lives on in the life of Christ he led, the disciples he formed and the institutions he established. He was more than a preacher, he was a movement—a reminder that faith can heal communities and shape nations when done with sincerity and service.
