By Joy Essien, Contributing Editor
Born on January 7th, 1945, Dr. Uma Ukpai, from Asaga in Ohafia, Abia State, was an international evangelist, preacher and Christian leader. He was the founder of Uma Ukpai Evangelisttic Association, a non denominational ministry based in Uyo. He also founded Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) alongside other men of God like Bishop Benson Idahosa, Pastor Enoch Adegboye and others.Lost his father at age 10 and became a Christian in 1958. He held a certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, a Bachelor and Doctorate degrees in Divinity.
He was married to his wife , Philomena, also a pastor and they had 9 children.
Dr. Uma Ukpai was well known for his outreaches and crusades that held all over the nation. For decades, he organized and collaborated with ministries to spread the goodness and power of God. For more than 30 years, his ministry has run a medical outreach. Many have been blessed by his crusades and have taken online to share the impact they’ve had on them. Miracles, healing, deliverance are common happenings at his crusades, including the dead being brought back to life. In fact, it was at his Greater Lagos for Christ crusade of 1985 that gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
He was the chairman of Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, King of Kings Hospital, a specialist hospital that covers communities in Abia, AkwaIbom and Cross River States.
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 Businesses School, an affiliate of Joseph Businesses School, Chicago.
Several men of God have taken to social media to celebrate his impact. One of the privileges God has given to me is the opportunity and access to sit and learn from these great men.
Many know his exploits, his heart is even greater.
Rest on daddy. You fought a good fight.
– Femi Lazarus.
‘Thou Power Of God, In The Name Of Jesus MOVE’
By Those Words, The Wind Blew..
He Stood Gallant And Taught Us Mission..
Good Night GENERAL SIR…(Psalms 116.15)
Rest in Power
DR UMA UKPAI…
– Johnson Suleiman
Dear sir,
Rest in the arms of Jesus.
Thank you for giving to the lord and his Church
– Pastor Emmanuel Iren
He shone as a beacon of faith and walked as a true ambassador of Christ.
Every breath, every word, and every act reflected the Christ he loved.
Papa Uma Ukpai, you lived your message.
You mentored generations, raised giants in the faith, and left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
– Dr. Paul Enenche & Dr. Becky Paul-Enenche
Oh ! Dr Uma !
Oh Papa Uma !
Sometimes you wish some people would never die. What a man !
Just a few days ago I was inspired to lead multitudes in an evening fast. Something I learn from you and did mention so. Was that a signal ???
You called me SON. What a privilege.
A man of God INDEED. One of great power and immense stature and impact . A man who knew the ways of the spirit, who knew how to deploy praise and worship in spiritual warfare and the supernatural. We ache but heaven rejoices.
Good night papa @uma_ukpai !
-Nathaniel Bassey
Ukpai served God faithfully for over 60 years and died on October 3, 2025 at the age of 80.
