President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as “one of God’s generals” and a man whose ministry transformed lives, strengthened faith, and built bridges across Nigeria and Africa.
In a statement personally signed by the President on Monday, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the 80-year-old evangelist, whom he hailed as an anointed preacher and humanitarian who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr. Uma Ukpai,” the President wrote. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and for restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
Dr. Uma Ukpai, a native of Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, was a globally recognized Christian evangelist, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and a pioneer member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). Known for his dynamic preaching and mass crusades, he became one of the most influential voices in Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement from the 1970s through the 1990s.
President Tinubu recalled the evangelist’s powerful ministry that fueled Christian revival across Nigeria, citing the landmark Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade (1982) and the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade (1985) as monumental events that touched countless lives.
“He was a firebrand who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and Africa in the 1980s,” the President noted. “Dr. Ukpai’s mission was to unite the Christian fold, promote peace among faiths, and build bridges linking different tribes and tongues.”
Beyond his ministry, Dr. Ukpai was also celebrated for his humanitarian works. He established schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations dedicated to uplifting the poor, supporting widows, and providing education for underprivileged children.
Tinubu described the late preacher as “a builder — building men, communities, and interfaith harmony,” adding that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of believers.
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“He 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 said, echoing the biblical words of Apostle Paul.
President Tinubu extended condolences to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, the evangelist’s wife, their children, and members of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association. He urged them to take comfort in the enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and service left behind by their patriarch.
“I pray that God Almighty grants him eternal rest and comforts his family. His legacy will continue to shine through the lives he touched and the faith communities he strengthened,” Tinubu concluded.
Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai was known for his deep spirituality, charismatic preaching style, and his unwavering belief in divine healing and revival. His evangelistic missions took him across continents, where he preached messages of hope, salvation, and unity.