FOUNDER and president of the non-denominational Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Dr Uma Ukpai, has died. His death occured on October 6, 2025, but his family chose to announce it on October 13.
In a statement announcing his death, his family noted: “With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.”
It continued, “Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.
“He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a mentor to many, and his life was a testament to God’s power and love.
“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise. Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course by the family.
“We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. For indeed, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Phil. 1:21.”
Testimonies
Beyond his popularity across the South-East and South-South, the late Rev. Uma Ukpai was widely known for his powerful miracles. One such incident involved a woman in London who had lost her mother. When the news reached Rev. Ukpai, he asked the grieving daughter to place her phone next to her mother’s ear. Calling the deceased woman’s name three times, the evangelist brought her back to life to the astonishment of her family.
That was just one of the many miracles seen in Rev. Ukpai’s ministry. In another instance, assassins were said to have been sent to his house in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. Upon their arrival, the walls of the house reportedly began to grow taller before their eyes. Overwhelmed by fear, the hired killers reportedly pleaded for forgiveness.
On a separate occasion, assassins again attempted to attack him. But when they arrived at his residence, they saw hundreds of soldiers guarding the premises. Rev. Ukpai, however, had no physical security personnel. Many who heard the story believed those ‘soldiers’ were angels sent to protect him.
“There is currently no preacher in this generation who recorded the level of miracles that occurred in Rev. Ukpai’s ministry,” said Lagos-based Pastor Samuel Adoke. “Several times, he encountered armed robbers on the road while travelling to preach. Instead of attacking him, they would bow and ask for prayers. Once, he even told a Nigerian head of state that he would be removed from office within two weeks — and the man was overthrown a week later.”
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Evangelist Onyechi Ikemezue also shared his experience. “He performed miracles that humbled doubters. Once, a woman who had served him but couldn’t conceive was told she would bear a child every year for seven years. It was a lesson in faith owing to the women’s doubt. And it happened exactly so.”
Evang. Ikemezue recalled another event at a ministers’ conference where Rev. Ukpai asked pastors to line up for prayers. A man who wasn’t a pastor joined the queue. When questioned repeatedly, the man insisted he was a pastor, declaring, ‘If I am not, let God judge me.’ Instantly, he fell to the ground and died.
“It took the intervention of senior ministers before Rev. Ukpai prayed for him,” Ikemezue continued. “The moment he did, the man came back to life. Such was the power and grace upon the life of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.”
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement, described Rev Ukpai as ‘God’s general’ and ‘firebrand.’
“I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact.
“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes.”
