The Christian community in Nigeria and across the world is mourning the passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, one of Africa’s most influential evangelists, whose ministry spanned more than six decades.
In an official statement released by the family on Monday, the revered preacher was said to have passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
Born in 1945, Rev. Ukpai was the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, a global non-denominational gospel outreach based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. His ministry, characterized by dynamic preaching, prophetic declarations, and healing crusades, impacted millions of lives across Nigeria and beyond.
The family’s announcement, titled “Glorious Transition,” described the late evangelist as “a faithful soldier of the cross who has been called to rest.”
“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. He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many,” the statement read.
The family further noted that Ukpai’s life was a “testament to God’s power and love,” emphasizing that his decades of evangelistic work transformed destinies and inspired new generations of preachers.
“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise,” the statement added, quoting Philippians 1:21 — “For to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Reverend Uma Ukpai was widely respected for his humility, deep spiritual insight, and unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel. Over the years, he hosted several life-changing crusades and conferences, including the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Crusades that drew massive crowds across continents.