The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed sadness over the passing of Dr. Uma Ukpai, a renowned evangelist, teacher, and servant of God, who died on October 6 at the age of 80.
The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in Abuja on Monday extended his condolences to the family and the Christian community, praying for God’s comfort and strength during this difficult time.
“Ukpai’s evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades, inspiring generations of believers with his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.
“He devoted his life to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.
“May the legacy of his faith and service continue to inspire the Church and the nation and may his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has paid tribute Ukpai’s unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls, which has left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond.
Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course – Family
Meanwhile, family of the famous Nigerian cleric, international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), has disclosed that the details of the obsequies will be announced in due course.
His family announced his passing on his official Instagram page, @Uma_Ukpai, on Monday, stating that the revered preacher and tele-evangelist died on October 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 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.
He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, and Khana County Council School, Ogoni. The cleric passed through All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and Niger Delta Technical School, now Boys Technical College, Aba.
He graduated from the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College Miami, Florida, USA; Carolina Christian University and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA.
He held a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, a Bachelor and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity.
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.
Christian journalists in Oyo State mourn Uma Ukpai, eulogise his virtues
The Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), Oyo State chapter, has condoled wth the entire christian community in Nigeria over the demise of prominent cleric, Bishop Uma Ukpai.
Ukpai, who’s one of the Nigeria’s most respected evangelists and spiritual leaders, died in Lagos, aged 80. Ukpai died on October 6, according to a statement issued by his family. The news of his death was also confirmed on his Facebook page, with “He came, he saw, and he conquered. Now is rest time”.
In a condolence message signed by its Chairman, Lekan Shobowale, the association said that the late man of God lived a fulfilled life.
The association described the life and times of the late Bishop as glorious and eventful, a testimony and evidence of his good works, which God empowered him to do in his time on earth.
“On behalf the entire Christian Journlaists in Oyo State, we celebrate a grandfather, father, mentor, spiritual guardian and media delight at all times.
“Bishop Uma Ukpai served God through out his life not minding many difficulties faced during his sojourn on earth.
“His ministry has been in existence more than five decades, touching lives across continents and leaving an enduring mark on the Christian faith.
“We will forever celebrate his legacy. And at this time, our prayer and care goes to the wife and entire family he left behind. March On to Glory, a Worthy Soldier of Christ,” the association stated.
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