President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Christian leader and Evangelist, Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as “one of God’s generals” and a man whose ministry “impacted generations with discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, who died on Monday at the age of 80.
Ukpai was the chairman of Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and King of Kings Hospital, a specialist hospital in Abia State.
He was also the proprietor of Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic Asaga, Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, and Joseph Business School.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr. Uma Ukpai,” the President said.
“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 neighbourliness.”
The President highlighted Ukpai’s spiritual journey, noting that he was born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, and overcame early life challenges before yielding to the divine call that would define his global ministry.
“He obeyed the divine call and impacted generations with his ministry,” Tinubu said.
“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand.”
Recalling some of Ukpai’s major crusades, Tinubu said, “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.”
The President praised the late evangelist’s commitment to unity and peace across religious and ethnic lines.
“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.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the humanitarian legacy of the late cleric, noting his numerous charitable endeavours.
“He was also a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.”
“Dr. Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” the President said.
President Tinubu extended condolences to the Ukpai family, particularly his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and members of his ministry.
“I pray that God Almighty grant him eternal rest,” Tinubu added. “I encourage them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God.”
Ukpai, a pioneer of Pentecostal evangelism in Nigeria and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), was widely regarded as one of the most influential Christian leaders in Africa.