President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of renowned evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as an anointed crusader of the faith filled with fire and ice for the gospel.
Tinubu, in a tribute to Ukpai, said he was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army that brought the fervor of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s.
Tinubu, who called Ukpai a firebrand, stated that his mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony.
The tribute read, “With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr. Uma Ukpai. 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 neighborliness.”
Ukpai, who died at the age of 80, was an international evangelist, leader of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Born in the little village of Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, Evangelist Ukpai had obstacles when he attended school. But God’s goal was well-defined. He followed the divine call and touched generations through his ministry.
In his homage, the President further stated that, “He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervor of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand.
“I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact.
“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.
“He was also a humanitarian, as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.”
He mentioned that Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord, adding, “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
Tinubu prayed to God Almighty to grant the late Dr. Ukpai eternal rest.
“I commiserate with his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and his children, as well as members of his ministry. I encourage them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God,” he added.
