Evangelist Uma Ukpai Dies at 80

Renowned Nigerian evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has died at the age of 80. His family announced that he passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, describing it as a “glorious transition” after a lifetime of Christian service.

In a brief statement, the family thanked God for his life and said details of the funeral arrangements would be released in due course.

Ukpai was a towering figure in Nigerian Pentecostal Christianity for decades. He founded UUEA, a non-denominational ministry based in Uyo, and was widely acknowledged as one of the pioneering voices behind the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). 

His large citywide crusades, inter-denominational outreach, and humanitarian efforts helped shape contemporary evangelical practice in the country.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Ohafia, Abia State, Ukpai marked his 80th birthday earlier this year. Beyond preaching, he spent years mentoring ministers, supporting charity programmes, and promoting unity among churches, earning tributes from across denominations as news of his passing spread.