A mighty voice in Christendom has gone silent. The news of the passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, has sent waves of reverence and reflection across Nigeria and the global Christian community. In a statement released by his family, his death was not described as a loss, but as a “glorious transition”—a fitting tribute for a man who spent his life preparing millions for eternity.
For over five decades, Dr. Ukpai was more than just a preacher; he was a phenomenon. His name became synonymous with mass evangelism, miracles, and an unwavering faith that defied logic. From small village squares to sprawling city stadiums, his crusades were landmark events, drawing massive crowds of people hungry for a touch from God. They came seeking healing, deliverance, and hope, and through his ministry, countless testified to receiving just that.
Born in Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, his journey was one marked by early tragedy and profound faith. Having lost his father at a young age, he learned resilience and dependence on God—a message that would become the cornerstone of his ministry. He founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational ministry that took the gospel to the far corners of the nation and beyond.
What made Dr. Ukpai a spiritual giant was not just the size of his crowds, but the tangible power that accompanied his preaching. He was unapologetically a man of signs and wonders. Stories of the blind seeing, the lame walking, and the sick being healed were not just tales from the Bible for those who attended his meetings; they were present-day realities. He demonstrated a bold faith that taught people to expect the supernatural in their everyday lives.
As news of his transition spread, tributes have poured in from all walks of life. The President of Nigeria, state governors, and leaders of major Christian bodies like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have all paid homage to his monumental impact. They remember him not just as a preacher, but as a “father of faith,” a mentor to generations of pastors, and a spiritual general whose absence will be deeply felt.
While the crusades have ended and his earthly voice is now still, the legacy of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai endures. It lives on in the millions of lives he touched, the churches he inspired, and the unwavering message he preached: that with God, all things are possible. He has finished his race, a true general gone home to his eternal reward.
