More tributes have been pouring in for the late preacher and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Works Minister Dave Umahi, Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Alex Otti (Abia) yesterday mourned the eminent cleric.
In a personal tribute, Akpabio described the late Uma Ukpai as ‘God’s General’ who stayed true to his calling and impacted not only the Kingdom of God but humanity as a whole.
He added: ‘Today, we mourn the passing of God’s General, Evangelist Uma Ukpai, whose transition has left the body of Christ and indeed humanity as a whole in a profound state of sadness. He was not just an Evangelist who won many souls for God, but a beacon of light who illuminated countless souls.
‘It is remarkable that Evangelist Uma Ukpai stayed true to his calling with an unwavering commitment to preaching the word of God globally. His legacy remains one of impact, inspiration and hope for those whom he encountered.
‘He was a man of great faith. While he committed his life to God and His work, he also catered for humanity through the establishment of schools and medical facilities to provide for the educational and healthcare needs of his communities.
‘His passing has left an indellible mark on the hearts of many. Though this is a great loss not just to the body of Christ, I find solace in the fact that Heaven has gained one more Angel to watch over the flock of God. Indeed, he has joined the heavenly choir to sing praises in the presence of God.
‘His journey may have ended, but his legacies live on in the hearts of humanity. Indeed, he has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, and he has kept the faith. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord whom he served.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his entire family, and the body of Christ. May you all find solace in the remarkable and impactful life that he lived and the knowledge that he may have left us physically, but his legacies live on.’
In his condolence message, Umahi described the late evangelist as ‘a man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion’.
The minister recalled the late Ukpai’s lifelong dedication to evangelism and spiritual mentorship, saying his insightful sermons had shaped the faith of countless Christians worldwide.
‘The late Uma Ukpai was a renowned preacher and teacher of the gospel whose insightful sermons helped in shaping the spiritual journey of many Christians worldwide.
‘He was a man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion. He shall be remembered for his untiring commitment towards promoting the flourishing of the word of God.
‘He continued to preach the gospel of Christ until his last day on earth when he was ushered into the glorious presence of his heavenly Father,’ Umahi said.
Governor Uzodimma recalled that the fiery preacher, known for organising large crusades across continents, channelled his intellectual gifts into building institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and charitable centres.
He wrote: ‘I admired him for his brand of evangelism, which had no boundaries. I admired him for his faith. I also admired him for his resilience and deep intellectualism.’
The Imo State governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) also stated that the late Uma Ukpai used his evangelism to foster national unity by promoting messages of patriotism and shared identity.
According to him, although Dr. Ukpai hailed from present-day Abia State, he settled and built his ministry in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in a practical demonstration of belief in one Nigeria, united by common destiny.
‘From that base, he reached out to the world,’ the governor said.
Uzodimma added that a remarkable feature of Dr. Ukpai’s ministry was his focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than personal glorification.
‘By setting up a non-denominational ministry, the late evangelist demonstrated in practical terms that Christian unity is not only feasible but desirable. We have truly lost a great soldier of Christ,’ he said.
Also, Abia State Governor Alex Otti; former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, and eminent Abia State residents have paid tributes to the late Dr. Uma Ukpai.
Governor Otti recalled what he called the father-son relationship between him and Dr. Ukpai over the years.
The governor said Ukpai’s death has created a vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the country.
He said: ‘Our father in the Lord, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the Heavens and celebration of the Angels, gone to be with the Lord.
‘He was the father of all, a soldier of Christ and a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing of the sick, salvation for lost souls, fulfilment of the scriptures and manifestation of the prophesies of God.
‘His death is devastating because of the positive influence he wielded, the positive impacts he made, the lives he touched in very special ways, and above all, the vacuum his exit has created.’
In a condolence message he personally signed, the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described the late evangelist as one of the greatest gifts that God gave to Abia State and humanity.
Ikpeazu wrote: ‘The passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai came to me as a moment of deep personal grief and reflection.
‘Abia, Nigeria, and indeed the world, have lost a man of uncommon faith, humility, and spiritual depth. He was profoundly impactful.
‘Rev. Ukpai was one of Abia’s greatest gifts to Christianity and humanity, a man whose life radiated divine purpose and total devotion to God’s work.
‘Personally, I feel his loss very deeply. Rev. Uma Ukpai was a steadfast supporter throughout my tenure as Governor of Abia State.
‘He stood by me with prayers, words of wisdom, and unwavering encouragement.
‘He believed strongly in the vision of a peaceful and progressive Abia and constantly reminded me to govern with compassion, humility, and the fear of God.
‘Even beyond public office, Rev. Ukpai remained a source of personal strength and spiritual guidance. His kindness, simplicity, and deep love for humanity were evident in every interaction.
‘He was a man who carried God’s presence everywhere he went, bringing hope to the hopeless, healing to the afflicted, and light to those in despair.
‘Rev. Uma Ukpai’s life was a true testimony of what it means to live for God and to serve others selflessly.
‘His ministry touched countless lives across nations and generations, and his legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire us all.
‘On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ukpai family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the entire body of Christ.
‘While we mourn his passing, we take solace in knowing that he lived a fulfilled life and has now entered into the eternal rest of his Master, whom he served faithfully till the end.’
The General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, express sorrow over the passing of Dr. Ukpai.
In a heartfelt condolence message, Bishop Nwankpa described the late Rev. Ukpai as ‘a towering figure in the Christian faith, a father in the Lord, and one of the greatest evangelists Nigeria has ever produced’.
He wrote: ‘Rev. Uma Ukpai’s departure marks the end of a glorious era of uncompromising evangelism and selfless service to God and humanity.
‘He lived for the Gospel, laboured for the Kingdom, and left an indelible mark on the sands of time. His life was, indeed a sermon, one that will continue to inspire generations of believers.’