President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned evangelist and founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, describing him as “one of God’s generals” who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s Christian community.
Rev Ukpai, who passed away at the age of 80, was widely respected as an international evangelist, preacher, and humanitarian. He was the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, a non-denominational ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In a heartfelt statement personally signed on Monday, President Tinubu praised Rev Ukpai’s life, legacy, and devotion to spreading the gospel across Nigeria and beyond.
“Rev Dr Uma Ukpai was not just another preacher, but an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled the humble beginnings of the late evangelist, who was born in Asaga, Ohafia in Abia State, and went through personal challenges growing up. Despite these, Tinubu noted, Ukpai answered the call of God and went on to influence generations through his ministry.
“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand,” Tinubu added.
He highlighted two of Ukpai’s most impactful crusades — Greater Ibadan for Christ in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ in 1985, describing them as powerful spiritual gatherings that helped shape the revival era in Nigeria.
Beyond evangelism, President Tinubu commended Ukpai’s efforts in building peace and unity across religious and ethnic lines.
“His 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,” Tinubu noted.
He also praised the late cleric’s humanitarian efforts, which included establishing schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations to support the poor and underprivileged in society.
“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 said.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Rev Ukpai’s wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, members of his ministry, and the broader Christian community in Nigeria and across Africa.
He encouraged them to take comfort in the powerful legacy of service, faith, and love that Rev Uma Ukpai left behind.
Rev Ukpai’s death has been widely mourned across Nigeria, with many describing him as a spiritual father, teacher, and passionate advocate of revival and national unity.
