The Akwa Ibom State Government has mourned the passing of a renowned global evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Reverend Uma Ukpai.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday night cut short the weekly Executive Council (EXCO) meeting and led members on a condolence visit to the family of the late Reverend Dr Uma Ukpai to honour the departed cleric.
Governor Eno described the late Dr Uma Ukpai as “an icon and a rare gem whose passing is a great loss not only to Akwa Ibom State but to Nigeria and the global Christian community.”
The governor said the visit was to convey the government’s condolences and reaffirm solidarity with the bereaved family at this moment of grief, noting that the revered man of God had made indelible contributions to the spiritual and moral development of the nation.
“We are all Daddy’s children… Even before I ever contemplated becoming Governor, he once said to me, ‘You are the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State.’ His words were prophetic, and I remain grateful for the impact of his faith and ministry on my life,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno, who was accompanied by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien; Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh; Honourable Commissioners; and Special Advisers, said the government and people of Akwa Ibom State will collaborate with the family to ensure a befitting rite of passage for the late evangelist.
“We came here as one family — the Akwa Ibom family — to tell Mama and the entire household that we stand with you. Daddy’s life was larger than the pulpit; he gave us hope, direction, and courage to trust God even in the most uncertain times,” he said.
Addressing Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, wife of the late cleric, the governor prayed for divine comfort, urging the family to sustain the legacies of the departed servant of God.
“God will strengthen you to carry on his legacies,” the governor said. “The race is now for us to continue, and you will be our team lead.”
Responding on behalf of the family, the widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, expressed gratitude to the governor and members of the State Executive Council for the visit and words of encouragement.
“The passing of my husband and our father was the will of God. Only what He allows can happen… We were married for 48 years, and I knew him well — preaching was his life; if he wasn’t preaching, he wasn’t happy,” she said.
She recalled that in his final moments, eminent men of God across the country, including Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor E.A. Adeboye, prayed for him, describing the Governor’s visit as “a great encouragement and expression of love from the people of Akwa Ibom State.
“I am not here by accident; I was born here; God ordained my life for Akwa Ibom. I am partly Akwa Ibom and partly Abia, and I know God will help me to fulfil my purpose here,” she added.
Governor Eno concluded the visit with prayers, thanking God for the life and ministry of the late evangelist and asking for divine comfort for the family.
“Lord, let the homegoing of your servant bring greater glory to Your name,” he prayed.
Until his passing, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai was one of Nigeria’s foremost evangelists and spiritual fathers. Born in 1945, he devoted more than five decades to the gospel ministry, founding the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and conducting revival crusades across continents. His ministry was marked by signs, miracles, and an unwavering message of faith and national unity.
Beyond the pulpit, Dr Ukpai was a passionate advocate for peace, education, and social responsibility, championing initiatives that uplifted widows, orphans, and vulnerable groups. His humanitarian projects, from scholarships to health outreaches, touched lives across Nigeria and beyond.
For many, his passing marks the end of an era in global evangelism, but his enduring message of hope and faith continues through his family, followers, and the ministry he built.