Governor Umo Eno has described the late Uma Ukpai as a rare gift to Akwa Ibom State and humanity, as tributes continue to pour in for the revered cleric.
Speaking at a Night of Songs and Tributes held at the International Christian Worship Centre in Uyo, on Friday, the governor said the late evangelist’s life and ministry left an indelible mark on the spiritual and social fabric of the state.
Ukpai, who passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, was honoured by the state government during the solemn ceremony attended by religious leaders, government officials, and admirers.
In a statement released by the Government House on Saturday, Eno praised the cleric as a moral compass and a global spiritual figure who leveraged his influence to uplift the less privileged.
He noted that despite hailing from Abia State, Ukpai made Uyo his base, establishing the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, through which he reached millions worldwide.
“For more than six decades, he shaped the spiritual identity of our state. Uyo was not just his residence; it was the centre of his global outreach and impact,” the governor said.
He further commended the late cleric for his consistent prayers for peace and development in the state, as well as his counsel, which supported governance and aligned with the administration’s developmental vision.
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Eno also acknowledged Ukpai’s leadership role in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, where he once served as National President, describing him as a pillar of unity among Pentecostal churches.
The governor extended condolences to the widow, Dr Philomena Ukpai, and the family, assuring them of the state’s support in sustaining the legacy of the deceased.
Delivering a sermon titled “Across the Bridge,” Emmanuel Kure of the Throne Room Ministry described Ukpai as a spiritual giant whose life exemplified faith, authority, and intercession.
He urged younger ministers to rise and continue the work left behind.
In his tribute, PFN National President, Francis Wale Oke, hailed Ukpai as one of the founding fathers of the fellowship, while former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Asam Asam, praised his lifelong commitment to mentorship and leadership development.
The event was marked by reflections on Ukpai’s contributions—from his early days in Scripture Union to building a global evangelistic movement—underscoring his lasting influence as a spiritual leader and mentor.
Stakeholders described the tribute night as both a celebration of a life well lived and a call to uphold the values he championed.