Dr Uma Ukpai, a famous Nigerian cleric, international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), has passed away at the age of 80.
His family announced his passing on his official Instagram page, @Uma_Ukpai, on Monday, stating that the revered preacher and tele-evangelist died on Oct. 6.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s ministry was non-denominational in nature, and he led the UUEA, headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
In the statement titled “With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai,” the family expressed deep appreciation to God for his life of impact and service to humanity.
“With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant home going of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on Oct. 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
“A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.
“He dedicated over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God.
“He impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.”
According to the statement, Ukpai, a medical doctor, was a spiritual general known for evangelism and a founding father of faith.
It stated that he was a loving husband, devoted father and mentor to many, and his life was a testament to God’s power and love.
“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.
“Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course by the family.
“We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy, for indeed, ‘to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ Phil 1:21.”
He is survived by his wife, children, and spiritual protégés.
His ministry, which spanned continents, brought salvation, healing, and hopes to millions across Nigeria and beyond.
Born on 7 Jan. 1945 in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Rev. Ukpai began his ministry after a challenging childhood marked by the loss of his father at the age of 10.
Ukpai rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s through his dynamic preaching and miracle crusades that drew thousands.
He was also one of the founding fathers of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), a body that united Pentecostal and Charismatic churches across the nation to promote revival and spiritual growth.
Through his ministry, he established faith-based institutions, including the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, King of Kings Hospital, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, and the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies.
These institutions, alongside his various outreach initiatives, reflected his commitment to both spiritual growth and social impact