It has been reported that Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, the revered international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, has passed away.
The news began to spread after a cryptic post by Prophet Joel Ogebe on X (formerly Twitter), which read:
“A giant has gone to be with the Lord. My father, my father, the chariot of Israel. Heaven rejoices. Uyo.”
Although Ogebe did not mention any names, several users interpreted the post as referring to the respected cleric, known for his decades of evangelistic work across Nigeria and beyond.
Shortly after, Christian media platform Church Gist also shared a tribute message on Facebook, stating:
“A GENERAL TAKES A BOW! EVANGELIST UMA UKPAI HAS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD. REST IN POWER, SIR.”
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by Rev. Ukpai’s family or the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association to confirm or deny the reports.
Who Was Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai?
Rev. Uma Ukpai was born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria. He was a renowned evangelist, teacher, and author, whose ministry spanned over five decades across continents.
He founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) with its headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he organized major gospel crusades that drew thousands of worshippers.
Rev. Ukpai was widely known for his healing and miracle crusades, his powerful preaching, and his commitment to promoting unity among Christians across denominations in Nigeria.
He held degrees in Engineering and Divinity, and authored several books that inspired faith and spiritual growth among believers.
A mentor to many pastors and gospel ministers, Rev. Ukpai’s legacy is deeply rooted in his vision for a revived and spiritually transformed Nigeria.
Public Reactions
Since the unconfirmed reports surfaced, social media has been flooded with emotional tributes, with many describing him as a “true general of faith” and “a father of Pentecostal evangelism in Nigeria.”
Several Christian leaders have also expressed shock, while others have called for restraint until an official statement is released by his family or ministry.
