Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai Passes On at 80 — Family Confirms His Glorious Transition

The Christian community in Nigeria and across the world is mourning the passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, the renowned international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.

After hours of speculation on social media, his family officially confirmed his death in a statement titled “Glorious Transition.” According to the release, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

The family described him as “a faithful soldier of the cross” who dedicated over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power.

Earlier in the day, social media was filled with mixed reactions following a cryptic post by Prophet Joel Ogebe on X (formerly Twitter), which read:

“A giant has gone to be with the Lord. My father, my father, the chariot of Israel. Heaven rejoices. Uyo.”

Though the message did not mention any name, it quickly drew public attention, with many associating it with Rev. Ukpai.

Not long after, a popular Christian platform, Church Gist, posted on Facebook:

“A GENERAL TAKES A BOW! EVANGELIST UMA UKPAI HAS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD. REST IN POWER, SIR.”

These posts fueled online discussions until the family’s official statement finally brought clarity to the situation.

In the heartfelt message, the family announced:

“With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.”

“Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.”

“He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a mentor to many. While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”

“Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course by the family. We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. For indeed, ‘To live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ — Philippians 1:21.”

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s ministry began more than sixty years ago and became one of the most respected evangelistic movements in Africa.

Through the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he organized countless crusades, conventions, and healing programs that drew millions of people.

Known for his powerful sermons, prophetic utterances, and passion for souls, he mentored many pastors, built faith-based institutions, and spread the message of hope across nations.

His dedication to evangelism made him one of the most influential voices in Nigeria’s Christian community a man whose life was marked by compassion, humility, and unshakable belief in God’s power.

Since news of his passing broke, tributes have continued to pour in from church leaders, Christian organizations, and admirers around the world. Many described him as a “spiritual general,” “a father of faith,” and “a man whose words turned hearts toward God.”

His death marks the end of an era but also a reminder of the enduring impact of one life fully devoted to God’s purpose.

The family has urged the public to remain prayerful and await further announcements regarding funeral arrangements and memorial activities.

As the Christian community mourns, there is also a spirit of celebration — for a man who, in his own words, “fought the good fight of faith and kept the faith till the end.”

Indeed, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s legacy will continue to live on through his teachings, his disciples, and the countless lives he touched.