President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned Christian leader and international evangelist, Dr Uma Ukpai, describing him as “one of God’s generals” whose ministry touched countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
In a condolence message personally signed by him, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and a pioneer of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), who died at the age of 80.
“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
Born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Dr Ukpai rose from humble beginnings, overcoming several challenges in his educational journey before answering the divine call that would define his life’s mission.
He became a leading voice in the Christian revival movement that swept through Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s, holding large-scale crusades such as Greater Ibadan for Christ in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ in 1985, both of which, President Tinubu recalled, “were phenomenal in proportion and impact.”
The President commended Dr Ukpai’s lifelong commitment to promoting unity within the Christian community and fostering peace among people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
“He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes,” Tinubu noted.
He also lauded the late evangelist’s humanitarian contributions, including the establishment of charities, schools, and hospitals to support 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 said.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and members of his ministry, urging them to take comfort in the lasting legacy of service and faith Dr Ukpai left behind.
“May God Almighty grant him eternal rest,” the statement concluded.
