The Christian community in Nigeria and across the globe is mourning the loss of renowned evangelist, teacher, and faith healer, Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai, who was confirmed to have passed away on the 6th of October 2025. He was 80 years old.
The news of his transition was announced in a statement by the Board of Trustees of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Inc., and his family. The statement, signed by the association’s director, confirmed he died peacefully, surrounded by family. The specific cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Reverend Ukpai was a towering figure in Nigerian Pentecostalism, known for his powerful preaching, massive crusades that drew hundreds of thousands, and a profound emphasis on prayer and divine healing. His ministry, which spanned over five decades, played a pivotal role in the spiritual landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
Born in 1945 in Iwuo Achang, a village in the present-day Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, his journey into ministry began after a dramatic conversion experience. He was a prominent voice for the gospel, establishing the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and founding the Spirit and Life Bible Seminary in Abia State, which has trained and sent forth thousands of ministers.
Tributes have begun pouring in from religious and political leaders. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, described him as “a spiritual colossus and a father to all,” whose “legacy of faith, evangelism, and compassion has left an indelible mark on our state and the nation.”
Also see: Nathaniel Bassey Reveals Early Childbearing Struggles
Many remember him not just for his public crusades but for his personal kindness and mentorship. Pastor Williams James, a former student at his seminary, shared, “He was more than a preacher; he was a father. He taught us that the power of God must be matched with the character of Christ.”
Reverend Ukpai is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association has announced that burial arrangements will be communicated to the public in the coming days.
