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Neymar remains in Brazil’s plans but the forward needs to be fully fit to earn a recall to the squad as he looks to reignite his international career ahead of next year’s World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti has said.

Neymar, 33, has not featured for Brazil in two years, with injuries hampering his ability to perform consistently since returning to Santos last year after a stint in Saudi Arabia.

Ancelotti, speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, praised Neymar’s talent but stressed the importance of his physical condition.

‘Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems,’ the Italian told reporters. ‘When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.’

The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward last wore the famous yellow jersey in October 2023, when he suffered serious knee ligament damage that has plagued comeback attempts.

Brazil head into Tuesday’s match buoyed by an emphatic 5-0 victory over South Korea last Friday, a performance that showcased their ability to entertain with the ‘beautiful game.’

However, Ancelotti emphasised that balance and teamwork remain paramount.

‘The Brazilian national team wants to play beautiful football and can play it, yes, but it depends on what you mean by beautiful game,’ he said.

‘Of course, the players have individual quality and commitment. You have to play beautifully with the ball and also without the ball, which is an important aspect.’

The Italian, who took over in May after a tricky World Cup qualifying campaign, has prioritised attitude and adaptability in the limited time before the tournament in North America.

Since taking charge, Ancelotti has overseen three wins, a draw and one defeat. Under him Brazil have become more defensively solid, conceding only one goal – a penalty against Bolivia in the high altitude of El Alto – while scoring nine.

On Friday in Seoul, the coach included four forwards in his starting eleven – Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha and teenager Estevao – and Brazil overwhelmed the home side.

Tuesday’s clash with Japan provides another opportunity for Ancelotti to refine his tactical approach.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, he added: ‘Commitment and teamwork are essential. Playing beautifully is important, but the most important thing is to win.’

Nigeria has secured its third major gas investment in 18 months, with Shell approving a $2 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for a new offshore gas development in the HI Field, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 144.

The project, announced on Monday, is expected to deliver about 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) from 2028 – roughly one-third of the gas requirements of the Nigeria LNG Limited’s Train 7 project.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, welcomed the investment, describing it as another clear vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and energy policies.

‘This major FID announcement by Shell, their second in one year, is a clear validation of our wide-ranging reform efforts and a signal to the world that Nigeria is fully open for business and investment,’ the President said.

The new decision brings total upstream investment commitments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to over $8 billion since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

The announcement follows earlier approvals of the Ubeta Non-Associated Gas project and the Bonga North deepwater development, both seen as cornerstones of the administration’s energy revitalisation drive.

Together, the Ubeta and HI gas projects will supply up to 15 percent of the total feedgas requirements of the NLNG’s Trains 1 to 7, underpinning energy security and export reliability.

These investment inflows, it was gathered, are the result of targeted reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, coordinated through the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

The reforms include fiscal incentives, streamlined regulatory processes, reduced contracting costs, and faster approval timelines – measures now enshrined in law.

The HI gas field, discovered in 1985, is being developed under Presidential Directive 40, which introduced a new fiscal framework to attract Non-Associated Gas investment in onshore and shallow offshore zones.

Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, said the HI and Ubeta projects will solidify the foundation for NLNG’s Train 7 and enhance domestic energy access.

‘With the Ubeta FID and now the HI FID, we have secured the gas supply needed to make NLNG Train 7 not just possible, but transformative. These projects will strengthen Nigeria’s LNG exports, expand LPG availability for households, reduce imports, and boost foreign exchange earnings. And this is only the beginning – more FIDs are on the horizon’, Verheijen stated.

Shell’s Upstream President, Peter Costello, affirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector.

‘Following recent investment decisions related to the Bonga deep-water development, today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector, with a focus on Deepwater and Integrated Gas.

‘This project will grow Shell’s leading gas portfolio while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a more significant player in the global LNG market’, Costello said.

The NLNG Train 7 expansion, to which the new projects will contribute, is expected to increase Nigeria’s LNG capacity by 8 million metric tonnes annually, a 35 percent boost over current production.

The expansion will also stimulate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthen SME participation in host communities, and expand the country’s clean energy footprint.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining a stable investment climate.

The Qatar Foundation has pledged to support Nigeria’s renewed efforts to reform the Almajiri and out-of-school-children education system.

The foundation’s promise followed a meeting between the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the foundation’s Founder, Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, in Doha.

Mrs. Tinubu, who led the Nigerian delegation, sought the foundation’s collaboration to address the challenge of more than 15 million out-of-school children in Nigeria – the highest number globally.

According to the First Lady, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, is embarking on a transformative model of Almajiri Education Schools that will integrate both Islamic and formal education.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: ‘These schools will host and care for children in a safe learning environment, including mosques for worship, skills acquisition facilities, and boarding accommodations for students, Imams, and caregivers.

‘This holistic approach will allow children to acquire both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation, while equipping them with life skills to contribute meaningfully to society.’

Mrs. Tinubu noted that the scale of the challenge required strategic international partnerships, adding: ‘Given the magnitude of this challenge and the competing demands on our national resources, Nigeria cannot achieve this alone. Your Highness represents precisely the kind of visionary partner who can help us make this dream a reality.’

She lauded Sheikha Moza’s global leadership and humanitarian record through the Qatar Foundation, particularly its landmark education projects, such as the Education City, which hosts over 40 schools and universities, and the Qatar National Library.

‘I am proud to learn of your achievements in surpassing the target of enrolling 10 million marginalised children into school. Watching you do all these great works reinforces our conviction that change is possible,’ the First Lady said.

Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, who is also the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, promised that the foundation would actively support Nigeria’s Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education initiative.

She announced that the foundation would work directly with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education to provide technical support, including the training of handlers and teachers in the proposed schools, to ensure high-quality learning outcomes.

Mrs. Tinubu had earlier toured the foundation’s headquarters in Doha, where she was received by the CEO, Yousif Al Na’am, and other senior officials.

During the visit, she was informed that Nigeria currently has 41 alumni from the Muhammad Khalifa University.

Senator Tinubu was accompanied by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed; and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris.

The Federal Government has stated that it will disburse N300,000 interest-free loan each to 21,000 Nigerians to cushion the impact of floods.

The government also said it had spent over N300 billion to reach more than 8.1 million households under its Conditional Cash Transfer programme.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, announced this yesterday in Abuja during the commemoration of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Sununu said: ‘In terms of conditional cash transfer, over 8.1 million households in Nigeria have been reached with a total sum of over N300 billion.

‘.Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the ministry, through the National Social Investment Agency, has done marvelously well in improving the resilience of the local community. As of today, in terms of Conditional Cash Transfer, over 8.1 million households in Nigeria have been reached with a total sum of over N300 billion.

‘This has really improved their capacity, improved their health education, and the process will continue.’

Commenting on the disbursement of the interest-free loan, Sununu said: ‘We are also planning at the national and state levels to improve on our flood-mitigating effect by donning out interest-free loan and also free collateral loan of over 300,000 each to 21,000 Nigerians.

‘The loan will address the issue of dry season farming to mitigate the effect of flooding in Nigeria.’

The minister also called for a holistic approach to addressing funding gaps in humanitarian intervention.

He said: ‘Most of our development partners have suspended some of their activities, especially the World Food Programme, which suspended its emergency food transfers to a lot of vulnerable Nigerians.

‘This has caused us as a nation to think further and put hands on the deck to go away from our reliance on the external funding in terms of our disaster and humanitarian activities and look inward on how to reduce shortfalls, reduce losses and how to improve on domestic mobilisation.’

The battle lines are drawn and for the Super Eagles, it is a case of to be or not to be as the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches defining moment today in what is tagged ‘battle of Uyo.’

With one final matchday to play, the three-time African champions must produce a statement performance against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic to keep their hopes of reaching the global showpiece alive.

The stakes could not be higher. Group C leaders Benin Republic, sitting on 17 points, know that victory in Uyo will seal their first-ever ticket to the World Cup. But Nigeria now third in the group are determined to avoid the unwanted history of missing back-to-back tournaments, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle expressed optimism and determination ahead of Tuesday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, promising a strong response from his players.

‘We will give everything we have to secure a decent win over Benin and hope for favour from Nelspruit,’ Chelle said, referring to the concurrent fixture between South Africa and Rwanda that could decide the group’s fate.

Despite their surprising third-place position, Nigeria remain the only team among the three contenders – Benin Republic, South Africa and Nigeria to have lost just one match throughout the campaign. South Africa, currently on 15 points, will host Rwanda in Mbombela, needing a victory to secure their own qualification hopes.

For Benin Republic, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, the campaign has been historic. The Cheetahs’ 17 points and two-point cushion at the top mean even a draw could be enough, provided South Africa do not record a comprehensive win over Rwanda. Rohr’s side has already defied expectations, showcasing grit and discipline across the qualifiers.

In contrast, the Super Eagles are chasing their seventh World Cup appearance. Since debuting in 1994, Nigeria have reached the Round of 16 on three occasions and remain one of Africa’s most consistent forces on the world stage. Captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, who both featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, are eager for a return to the global arena.

Ekong, who was named Man of the Competition at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will earn his 83rd international cap on Tuesday, while Iwobi will mark his 89th appearance. For several others, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey, this represents their first real opportunity to step onto football’s biggest stage.

A win for Nigeria by two or more goals, coupled with South Africa’s failure to defeat Rwanda will see the Super Eagles secure automatic qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

However, both sides head into the game with key absentees. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Benin Republic will miss defender Yohan Roche and midfielder Sessi d’Almeida due to suspensions.

The Cheetahs, who have appeared in just four Africa Cup of Nations finals, will rely on their home-grown passion and the tactical nous of Rohr. Nigeria, on the other hand, boast a far richer pedigree. Three AFCON titles, five runner-up finishes, and eight third-place medals will lean on their experience and talent depth to keep their dreams alive.

Beyond the pitch, the stakes transcend footballing rivalry. For Benin’s 11.5 million people, this is a moment of history. For Nigeria’s 220 million, it is a matter of pride, expectation, and redemption.

As the whistle blows in Uyo and Mbombela simultaneously today, Africa’s attention will turn to one question that has lingered for months – Super Eagles to be or not to be at the 2026 World Cup?

Comedian Alibaba has explained he believes in polygamy because it offers practical and cultural benefits.

In an interview with Nedu, he stated that having multiple wives can stabilise relationships by fostering cooperation among them as the presence of another wife discourages misbehaviour.

He said: ‘Some people feel if it’s only one wife, you may not be able to control the wife. But if the wife knows that you have more than one, she will calm down. She will calm down because she knows that if she misbehaves, another person is available’.

Drawing from historical practices, Alibaba cited examples from Ibadan where women encouraged their husbands to marry additional wives to prevent infidelity and maintain family unity.

‘So there are different reasons for polygamy. I actually know of a woman in Ibadan who encouraged her husband to be polygamist. Most of them back then, I don’t know who wants to doubt this, the women marry a young girl and gift it to the husband. And they do that because they don’t want the man to have concubines,’ he added.

He also described traditional customs where widows with young children were married to a brother-in-law to ensure care, presenting this as a form of polygamy rooted in familial responsibility.

‘You have families where when the brother that married the woman dies, and she’s either just a new wife or she has just two children, and they need the children to be taken care of and you don’t want her to go to another family.

‘They call all the brothers and say, which of you can take over this girl and take care of her? So if the man already had a wife, that’s the cause of polygamy. And as much as people try to say it is not right, like in your introduction, there are people who say no, it’s not right. The same person would have about like three, four, five children,’ he said.

While acknowledging differing views, Alibaba stood firm in his support for polygamy, emphasising its role in certain social contexts.

Youth triumphed over experience at the ongoing ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, Tunisia, as teenage debutants stunned seasoned veterans in the second round of the singles events, signalling a generational shift at the continental showpiece.

Veterans such as Monday Olabiyi and Farouk Salifou of the Benin Republic, Amgad Mahrous of Sudan, and Simon Ebode of Cameroon have all bowed out of the Men’s Singles competition.

Olabiyi was swept aside 4-0 by Tunisian teenager Youssef Aidli, Mahrous fell by the same margin to Uganda’s Jonathan Senyonga, while Salifou suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria’s Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.

A similar storyline unfolded in the Women’s Singles, where youthful energy, again, outshone veteran experience.

Nigeria’s Aishat Rabiu ousted Ghana’s Bernice Borquaye, while Algeria’s Houda Taguercifi sent experienced Angolan star Ruth Tavares packing. Fourteen-year-old Tunisian prodigy Ela Saidi stunned Rwanda’s Ruth Mihindu, and Algerian twins Tania and Jade Morice, both 15, made a dazzling debut by defeating South Africa’s Danisha Patel and Congo Brazzaville’s Thomie Mossemba 4-0 respectively.

However, top contenders like Egypt’s Omar Assar, Youssef Abdelaziz, Mohamed El-Beili, and rising star Mostafa Badr, established stars of the game like Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo; Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa; Benin Republic’s Abdel-Kader Salifou; and Tunisia’s own Wassim Essid all cruised through their matches to secure spots in the third round of the Men’s Singles.

As the tournament heads into a decisive phase today, October 14, the singles events will intensify, separating the contenders from the pretenders in the race to crown the 2025 champions in Tunis.

Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Ylane Batix is hoping to go beyond the round of 32 in the Men’s Singles in Tunis.

But the 19-year-old Cameroonian signalled a shift in momentum earlier this year when he reached the semifinals of the 2025 ITTF Africa Cup.

Now, Batix believes the time has come to stake his claim among Africa’s elite table tennis players.

Despite only resuming training a week ago following a wrist injury, Batix remains confident in his ability to reach the semifinals at the ongoing tournament in the coastal city of Tunis.

‘Since my first appearance at the ITTF Africa Championships, I’ve never gone past the second round. I’ve also been unlucky with the draw, facing top seeds right from the start. In 2021, I played Quadri Aruna in the first round in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In 2023, I lost in the round of 32 to Bode Abiodun, and the same happened in 2024 in Ethiopia. But this year, I’m fully prepared to break into the top four here in Tunis. It’s tough, but I’m ready to fight for it,’ he said.

Batix has competed in several high-level tournaments this year, including the Europe Smash in Sweden, and he believes the experience gained will serve him well in Tunis.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed severe sanctions on Kano Pillars following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 8 home fixture against Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

According to the Summary Jurisdiction Notice (Form 16) issued yesterday and signed by the league body’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the four-time NPFL champions were found guilty of multiple breaches of league rules, including failure to provide adequate security, harassment and assault of match officials and visiting players, and general misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Consequently, the NPFL fined Kano Pillars a total of ?9.5 million for various infractions – ?1 million each for poor security, throwing of objects, and supporters’ misconduct; ?1 million for bringing the game into disrepute; ?2 million for assault on Shooting Stars’ players and match officials; another ?2 million as compensation for treatment and damages to the victims; and ?1.5 million as compensatory damages to match officials.

In addition to the financial penalties, the league body deducted three points and three goals from Kano Pillars’ accrued tally and ordered the indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium, forcing the club to play their home matches in Katsina until they can guarantee improved security and fan control.

Kano Pillars have 48 hours to either accept the summary sanctions or elect to face a disciplinary panel.

Meanwhile, the NPFL in a separate letter to the NFF Match Officials Appointment Committee has requested a review of performance and stepping down of centre referee, Mohammed B Tuta of Adamawa State referees council and the assistant referees, Bem Japhet (Benue) and Shehu Isah (Adamawa).

For the match between Nasarawa United and Rangers, the NPFL are also requesting for the review of performance of centre referee Ikechukwu Taiwo of the Rivers State Referees Council and his assistant, Usman Opeyemi Edward from Osun State.

Alleged fraudster and businessman, Fred Ajudua has approached an Ikeja Special Offences Court for a fresh bail in the alleged $1,043,000 fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ajudua filed fresh bail application before Justice Mojisola Dada last Friday having lost the bid for some reliefs at the Supreme Court on May 9.

Ajudua has been arraigned for defrauding a Palestinian national, Zad Abu Zalaf, of $1,043,000 under false pretenses.

Ajudua told the court through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) that he had filed a notice of withdrawal of his application seeking certain reliefs at the Supreme Court to pave way for the high court to rule on the bail application.

Ojo said: ‘We decided to withdraw the motion we filed at the Supreme Court to allow this Honourable Court to deliver its ruling on the bail application’.

The defense counsel also submitted an affidavit and a copy of the notice of withdrawal to the court.

Ojo noted that although his client is battling chronic kidney disease and severe hypertension, he insisted on appearing in court in order to comply with his legal undertakings.

He urged the court to proceed with its ruling on the bail application.

But the EFCC opposed the move.

The commission’s prosecuting counsel, Seidu Atteh told Justice Mojisola Dada that Ajudua’s application at the Supreme Court remains on the cause list and there was a need to await the pronouncement of that court on its withdrawal.

Atteh said, ‘the defendant will need to produce the order of the Supreme Court either dismissing or striking out the notice of withdrawal.

‘We urge the trial court to await the decision of the Supreme Court’.

In her ruling, Justice Dada agreed with the prosecution.

The judge said, ‘this court being a court of record must be satisfied that the notice of withdrawal is before the Supreme Court and same must be considered with the outcome filed in this court.’

Following the bail arguments, the court proceeded with the trial.

The third prosecution witness, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was cross-examined by the defence.

During cross-examination, Afanda testified that he joined the EFCC in 2009 and met Ajudua shortly after the defendant’s case file was transferred from the Nigerian Police Force’s Special Fraud Unit to the EFCC’s Advance Fee Fraud Section.

According to the witness, the EFCC in the course of its investigations into the matter, reached out to multiple institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and even the Commission’s forensic lab.

The witness also confirmed interviewing the nominal complainant, Zad Abu Zalaf, and another individual, Mr. Michel Opkema.

He said he visited Ajudua at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison and had documented proof of the visit. He added that the statements Ajudua gave to the police formed part of the EFCC’s investigation report.

The witness however noted that the EFFC did not take any statements from the defendant on the issue.

Cross examination was halted briefly after the defendant took a toilet break.

On his return, he complained to his counsel, that he has noticed blood coming out his body while he tried to use the restroom.

The defense counsel subsequently sought for an adjournment to enable his client attend to his health.

Justice Dada subsequently adjourned the trial to October 31, 2025 for continuation of cross examination.

Ajudua is currently facing trial for allegedly defrauding a Palestinian national, Zad Abu Zalaf, of $1,043,000 under false pretenses.

Popular preacher and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Dr. Uma Ukpai, has died.

He was 80.

Born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Ukpai rose from humble beginnings, overcoming early challenges to answer the divine call that later defined his life and impacted generations.

Through decades of evangelical work, he became a household name in Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement, renowned for his fiery preaching and mass crusades that drew hundreds of thousands.

A statement announcing his passing by his family said the cleric died on October 6.

The statement reads: ‘With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant home-going of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai. He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many.

‘While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.’

The statement said details of his obsequies would be announced by the family in due course.

He is survived by a wife, children, and a global community of followers.

Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to the late Dr. Ukpai.

The President described the revered preacher as ‘one of God’s generals’ whose life and ministry brought revival, peace, and humanitarian service to Nigeria and beyond.

In a tribute yesterday in Abuja, President Tinubu noted that the passing of Dr. Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), marked the end of a glorious chapter in Nigeria’s Christian history.

‘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 said.

President Tinubu recalled some of Ukpai’s historic crusades, including the Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, describing them as ‘phenomenal events in proportion and impact’ that fueled the wave of spiritual revival across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s.

‘Dr. Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths, and to spread peace and harmony. He was a builder-building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes,’ the President noted.

Beyond the pulpit, the President lauded Ukpai’s humanitarian works, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and charities to serve the underprivileged.

‘Dr. Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,’ the President added.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and members of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, urging them to find comfort in the preacher’s enduring legacy of faith and service.

‘May God Almighty grant him eternal rest,’ the President prayed.

Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the late Uma Ukpai as a renowned evangelist, teacher, and servant of God.

A statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said: ‘The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has received with sadness the news of the passing of Reverend Dr Uma Ukpai, a renowned evangelist, teacher, and servant of God, who went to be with the Lord on 6 October 2025 at the age of 80.

‘Through crusades, teachings, and acts of charity, he devoted his life to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.

‘His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond. Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.

‘On behalf of the leadership and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Reverend Dr (Mrs) Philomena Uma Ukpai, the entire Ukpai family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the Christian community in Nigeria and abroad who have been touched by his ministry.

‘We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and grant them the strength to bear this great loss. May the legacy of his faith and service continue to inspire the Church and the nation. May his soul rest in perfect peace.’

Also, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed sorrow over Dr. Ukpai’s passing.

In a condolence message by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor described the death of the legendary preacher, renowned evangelist as a monumental loss to Nigeria, and the entire body of Christ worldwide.

‘Rev. Dr. Ukpai was not just a preacher; he was a pivotal institution in Christian evangelism, national uprightness, and the Nigerian Pentecostal movement.

‘For decades, his powerful voice echoed across continents, bringing salvation, healing, and hope to millions of people.

‘The story of modern Christianity in Nigeria and across Africa cannot be complete without the indelible impact of Rev. Ukpai, through his crusades, theological teachings and establishment of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association dedicated to winning souls for Christ.’