By Obinna Uballa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late renowned evangelist, Dr Uma Ukpai, describing him as one of God’s generals whose ministry transformed lives and rekindled faith across Nigeria and beyond.
In a statement issued from the State House on Monday, President Tinubu said the passing of the international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association was a great loss to the Christian community and humanity at large.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” the President said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
Tinubu noted that Dr Ukpai, who died at the age of 80, played a central role in the spread of the Christian revival movement that swept across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He recalled the evangelist’s memorable crusades, including the Greater Ibadan for Christ in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ in 1985, describing them as “phenomenal events in proportion and impact.”
The President also commended the late cleric’s efforts to promote unity and harmony among different Christian denominations and faith communities.
“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes,” Tinubu said.
He further lauded Ukpai’s humanitarian contributions through the establishment of charities, schools, and hospitals that served the underprivileged.
“Dr Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” the President added.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his children, and members of his ministry, urging them to find solace in his enduring legacy of faith and service to humanity.
Dr Uma Ukpai, a native of Asaga in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, was one of Nigeria’s foremost Pentecostal leaders and a co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
