ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as “one of God’s generals” whose life and ministry left a lasting impact on the Christian faith in Nigeria and beyond.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the renowned preacher.
With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr. Uma Ukpai. Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness, the President wrote.
Dr. Ukpai, who died at the age of 80, was an international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association as well as a co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Ukpai overcame many challenges in his early life before answering the divine call that shaped his destiny and ministry. He became a prominent voice in the wave of Christian revival that swept across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s.
I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985 both phenomenal events in scope and impact, Tinubu noted.
The President further described Dr. Ukpai as a unifier and humanitarian who established numerous charities, schools, and hospitals to serve the underprivileged.
Dr. Ukpai’s mission was to unite the Christian fold, spread peace, and build bridges across faiths and communities. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, Tinubu said.
He extended condolences to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, the evangelist’s widow, their children, and members of his ministry, urging them to take solace in his enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and service to humanity.
