Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai, one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian leaders and the founding father of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, died at age 80 in Lagos on October 13, 2025.
The renowned international evangelist, whose ministry spanned over five decades and touched millions across continents, passed away just nine months after celebrating his 80th birthday in January.
We reported his death following social media announcements from ministry sources, including Prophet Joel Ogebe and Christian platform Church Gist. The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and his family also issued an official statement.
The news sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s Christian community, where Ukpai held an almost unparalleled position as a bridge-builder between denominations, a champion of the poor, and a man whose unwavering faith through profound personal tragedy became legendary.
His death marks the end of an era for a generation that witnessed the birth and explosive growth of Nigeria’s modern Pentecostal movement. He helped architect this movement through his historic 1985 Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade, which directly gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
Who was Uma Ukpai?
Uma Ukpai was born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State. He lost his father at age 10. His most significant achievement was organising the 1985 Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade, which led to the birth of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. He co-founded PFN with Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Benson Idahosa, William Kumuyi, and Mike Okonkwo, but chose not to lead it.
He conducted crusades across Nigeria and internationally for over 50 years. In 1996, he became the first African main speaker at the World Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Convention in Miami. He also built schools, hospitals, and empowerment programs, including Uma Ukpai School of Theology, King of Kings Hospital, and Uma Ukpai Eye Centre.
In 1985, two of his eight children died in a car accident. He preached at his crusade the next morning after burying them. This inspired Pastor Adeboye years later when he lost his own son. At Ukpai’s 80th birthday in January 2025, Adeboye said Ukpai gave him strength during that dark time.
He was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai for 49 years. They founded Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association in 1975.
His ministry continues under the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association. Pastor Philomena Ukpai remains active in leadership. His schools, hospitals, and programs will keep running. Funeral plans will likely include Akwa Ibom and Abia state governments, PFN leadership, and international Christian leaders.
Legacy
He co-founded the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria but declined to lead it. He conducted crusades drawing hundreds of thousands, but maintained a simple lifestyle. He built hospitals and schools but prioritised the poor. He suffered a profound personal tragedy but continued preaching the next morning. He achieved international acclaim but returned home every Wednesday to minister at Victory Cathedral without fail.
The history of Nigerian Christianity can’t be written without reference to Uma Ukpai. His influence shaped a generation of leaders, his institutions continue serving millions, and his example of unwavering faith through unimaginable loss remains a beacon for all who face their own dark valleys.
At 80 years old, having crossed all continents, built schools as prophesied, lost two children to a motor accident as foretold, and seen his ministry explode into international prominence exactly as God promised, Rev. Uma Ukpai completed his assignment.
