President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a tribute to the late Dr. Uma Ukpai, a renowned Nigerian evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA).
The president described him as an extraordinary evangelist whose spiritual mission and humanitarian service helped shape both the Christian faith and inspired unity across Nigeria’s communities.
President Tinubu in a personally written tribute on Monday said Dr. Ukpai was not just a preacher but a divine crusader filled with the fire of faith and compassion for humanity.
The President noted that through decades of tireless ministry, Dr. Ukpai led thousands to Christ, strengthened interfaith harmony, and championed the nation’s moral revival.
“As founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), he championed peace, compassion, and the nation’s moral revival, he was an anointed crusader of the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness,” the President wrote.
Recalling the landmark Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade of 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade of 1985, President Tinubu described the late cleric as “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.”
“Born in Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, Evangelist Ukpai went through his paces, enduring challenges while passing through school. But God had his purpose well defined. He obeyed the divine call and impacted generations with his ministry.
“I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact.
“Dr Ukpai’s 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.
“He was also a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.” The President added.
President Tinubu affirmed that Dr. Ukpai’s life was a testimony of divine obedience and steadfast faith
“He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Dr. Ukpai fulfilled his divine mission and has now gone to be with the Lord.”
He prayed that God Almighty would grant the revered evangelist eternal rest and comfort his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and their children.