The Abia State Government has held a state burial service in honour of the late Abia-born global evangelist, Rev Uma Ukpai, who passed away at the age of 80, with tributes pouring in from government officials, religious leaders, and admirers who gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.
The burial service, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia on Thursday, was marked by solemn reflections, prayers, and testimonies about the late cleric’s contributions to evangelism, humanitarian work, and community development both in Nigeria and abroad.
Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, challenged Nigerians to live lives of purpose and integrity so they would be remembered positively after their death. He said the life and legacy of the late evangelist should serve as a challenge for individuals to reflect on the impact they are making while alive.
“So, the challenge is for all of us. What would people say on a day like this, when it is our turn?” the governor said during his address.
Governor Otti described the late Ukpai as a man who lived for others, noting that his life was defined by service, humility, and dedication to spreading the message of faith and hope. He said the large turnout at the burial ceremony was a reflection of the impact the late evangelist made during his lifetime.
The governor noted that Rev Ukpai was not only a preacher but also a humanitarian who used his ministry to support the less privileged, promote education, and contribute to community development. According to him, the state government decided to honour him with a state burial in recognition of his contributions to society and his role in projecting Abia State positively on the global stage.
Religious leaders who spoke at the event described the late evangelist as a man of strong faith who dedicated most of his life to missionary work and evangelism across different countries. They noted that his ministry touched lives across Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Family members, friends, and associates also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as a loving father, mentor, and spiritual leader who devoted his life to serving God and humanity. Many of them recalled his humility, generosity, and passion for helping people, especially the poor and vulnerable.
The burial ceremony attracted dignitaries from within and outside Abia State, including government officials, traditional rulers, church leaders, and members of the public who came to pay their last respects.
Rev Uma Ukpai was widely known for his evangelistic crusades, teachings, and philanthropic activities. Over the decades, he built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s prominent evangelists, with a ministry that reached thousands of people through conferences, revival programmes, and charitable initiatives.
Many speakers at the event said his death marked the end of an era but noted that his teachings, books, and humanitarian work would continue to impact future generations.
Governor Otti concluded his remarks by urging Nigerians to reflect on their own lives and the kind of legacy they intend to leave behind. He said the best way to honour the late evangelist was not just through words, but by living lives of service, integrity, and compassion toward others.
The state burial ceremony ended with prayers and tributes, as attendees celebrated a man many described as a servant of God who lived a fulfilled life and left behind a legacy of faith, service, and humanity.
