30 Astonishing Facts you didn’t know about late Rev. Uma Ukpai
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Ukpai lost two of his children in a single car accident, a devastating tragedy that tested his faith but did not break his spirit.
Rev. Uma Ukpai, who died at the age of 80 on Monday, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s Christian landscape-an international evangelist, bridge-builder, and humanitarian whose ministry touched lives across nations.
From humble beginnings in Ohafia, Abia State, he rose to become one of the founding pillars of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the visionary behind the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA).
Through his crusades, educational initiatives, and medical outreaches, he combined faith, compassion, and service, leaving behind a legacy that transcends denominational lines.
1. Founder of PFN Movement – Rev. Uma Ukpai played a historic role in the birth of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian bodies, following his Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985.
2. International Evangelist – Ukpai preached across continents, taking the gospel to numerous countries beyond Africa, making him one of Nigeria’s earliest globally recognised evangelists.
3. Conversion at Age 13 – He gave his life to Christ in 1958 at the age of 13, marking the beginning of a lifelong mission that would touch millions.
4. Orphaned at 10 – His father’s death when he was just 10 years old shaped his compassion for the poor and orphans, influencing his later charitable works.
5. Multitalented Scholar – Ukpai held diverse academic qualifications ranging from Electrical Engineering to Journalism and Divinity, reflecting a rare blend of technical and theological expertise.
6. Graduate of Four International Institutions – He studied in both the United Kingdom and the United States, earning degrees from South Florida Christian College, Carolina Christian University, and Burke Bible College, Kentucky.
7. Media Trained Evangelist – His training in Journalism and Television at Frisham, Hermitage, UK, gave him a strong media presence, which he later used for evangelism.
8. Polyglot of Faith and Science – Holding a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice and a Doctorate in Divinity uniquely positioned him to combine scientific knowledge with spiritual ministry.
9. Founder of UUEA – He established the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), one of Nigeria’s most active non-denominational gospel ministries, headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
10. Bridge Builder Among Churches – His ministry was known for uniting Christians across denominational divides, earning him respect across Pentecostal, Evangelical, and Mainline churches.
11. Tragic Family Loss – Ukpai lost two of his children in a single car accident, a devastating tragedy that tested his faith but did not break his spirit.
12. Father of Nine (Including One Adopted) – His marriage to Pastor Philomena Ukpai produced eight biological children and one adopted child, reflecting his large-hearted nature.
13. Medical Mission Pioneer – For more than 30 years, his ministry ran free medical outreaches across Nigerian communities, integrating healthcare with evangelism.
14. Established Two Major Hospitals – He founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Hospital in Abia State—both offering free and subsidised medical care.
15. Educational Visionary – He founded the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, and Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, nurturing future leaders in faith and technology.
16. Scholarship Benefactor – Through the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, he sponsored countless students, particularly orphans and the underprivileged.
17. Linked to Joseph Business School, USA – His Joseph Business School, Uyo, is an affiliate of the Joseph Business School, Chicago, founded by Dr. Bill Winston.
18. Crusade Legend – He organised some of Nigeria’s largest crusades, including the Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade and Anioma One-Million Man Crusade (2016), which drew massive crowds and testimonies of healing.
19. Historic 1982 Crusade – His Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 marked one of the earliest large-scale Pentecostal revival meetings in Nigeria’s southwest.
20. Healer and Miracle Worker – Numerous reports of healings, deliverance, and miracles accompanied his crusades across Nigeria and beyond.
21. Respected PFN Financier – The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) was a major financier of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), supporting its nationwide activities.
22. Voice of Compassion – He often said, “The stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone,” a reflection of his resilience and message of hope through adversity.
23. Lifetime Commitment to the Poor – His personal struggles as a youth inspired decades of charity work, particularly in rural communities of Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
24. Crusade Collaborator – He worked with several other prominent ministers, including Dr. Celestine Iwendi, to organise interdenominational revivals.
25. Legacy of Service and Healing – His faith-driven initiatives in evangelism, healthcare, and education established him as one of Nigeria’s most holistic Christian leaders.
26. UUEA Headquarters in Uyo – Under his leadership, Uyo became a spiritual hub attracting thousands of worshippers, students, and patients seeking divine and physical healing.
27. Mentor of Pastors and Evangelists – Many prominent Nigerian preachers trace their spiritual inspiration and early mentorship to his ministry.
28. Decades of Unbroken Evangelism – For over six decades, from his conversion in 1958 until his passing in 2025, he remained active in spreading the gospel.
29. Peace Ambassador – His message consistently promoted peace and unity in a country often divided by religion and ethnicity.
30. Faith Through Fire – Despite losing two children, facing early poverty, and constant health challenges, he continued to preach faith, perseverance, and divine purpose.
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