Evangelist Uma Ukpai brought healing, hope and transformation of lives

The late renowned Christian evangelist, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEFA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Uma Ukpai has been described as one who brought hope and transformation to countless lives. This was contained in a statement by a former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi […]

The late renowned Christian evangelist, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEFA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Uma Ukpai has been described as one who brought hope and transformation to countless lives.

This was contained in a statement by a former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi while expressing “deep sadness over the loss” of the octogenarian cleric.

Ukpai also received high accolades from Nigerians of all works of life and leadership as international evangelist, preacher, prophet and bridge builder across different denominations.

He held yearly Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusades in his native homeland, alongside other citywide crusades and international outreach programmes. In 2016, alongside the pastor of Comfort Zone Ministries, Dr Celestine Iwendi, Ukpai held the Anioma One-Million Man Crusade, similar to previous events like the Nsukka 2012, Greater Ibadan for Christ, 1982, Greater Lagos for Christ, 1985 and many more.

Ukpai organised some medical programmes, providing free services through the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, and King of Kings Hospital, a specialist hospital for patients from Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

Ukpai was the proprietor of Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, Abia State; Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation and Joseph Business School, an affiliate of Chicago, USA-based institution.

He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga and Khana County Council School, Ogoni. He passed through the All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and Niger Delta Technical School, now Boys’ Technical College, Aba. Uma Ukpai graduated from the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College Miami, Florida, USA; Carolina Christian University and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA. He held a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, bachelor and doctorate degrees in Divinity.

Ukpai was married to Philomena, a pastor. Their marriage produced eight children.