Legendary Evangelist Uma Ukpai Dies at 80

The New Diplomat
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By Obinna Uballa

Renowned global evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has passed away at the age of 80.

Sources from his ministry confirmed the development on Monday via posts on X (formerly Twitter), including one by Monye Morris, noting that the revered cleric died in Lagos, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian leaders.

Dr. Ukpai, whose ministry spanned over five decades, was celebrated for his unwavering faith, dynamic preaching, and powerful healing crusades that touched millions of lives across Nigeria and beyond.

Born in Abia State, Ukpai emerged as a national spiritual figure in the 1970s and 1980s, leading massive evangelistic crusades that drew crowds from far and near.

He was also one of the founding fathers of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which helped unite Pentecostal and Charismatic movements across the country.

Through his global evangelistic campaigns, Rev. Ukpai became a symbol of revival and a source of inspiration to generations of believers, often emphasizing faith, unity, and divine healing.

As of the time of filing this report, his family was yet to release an official statement on his passing.

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