Cynthia Ezegwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as one of God’s generals who dedicated his life to spreading the gospel and promoting love, peace, and unity among Nigerians.
Dr. Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and a pioneer leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), died at the age of 80.
In a heartfelt statement issued on Monday, President Tinubu said the late evangelist was a “firebrand crusader of faith” whose ministry brought revival and transformation to countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
“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,” the President said.
He recalled the impact of Ukpai’s historic crusades, including the Greater Ibadan for Christ in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ in 1985, which drew massive crowds and inspired renewed spiritual awakening in the country.
President Tinubu commended the late cleric for his commitment to unity within the Christian community and for fostering interfaith harmony through his teachings and humanitarian works.
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“Dr. Ukpai’s mission was to unite the Christian fold and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder — building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes,” the President noted.
He also lauded Ukpai’s philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations aimed at improving the lives of 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,” Tinubu said, praying for his eternal rest.
The President extended his condolences to the evangelist’s wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and members of his ministry, urging them to take solace in his enduring legacy of faith and service.