Important Note
Uma Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. This analysis covers his life, ministry, and enduring legacy.
1. Who was Uma Ukpai?
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai (born January 7, 1945 – died October 6, 2025) was a Christian leader, international evangelist, and preacher from Nigeria. He was the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
2. When and where was Uma Ukpai born?
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was born on January 7, 1945, at Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, Nigeria. He lost his father at a very tender age, which almost ended his educational pursuit.
3. What was Uma Ukpai’s role in Nigerian Christianity?
Uma Ukpai was a key leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), being a founder of the movement. He was called to build bridges between different denominations through his evangelistic, prophetic and crusade ministry.
4. What was the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association?
The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) is a non-denominational Christian ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Through the UUEA, he organised large-scale gospel crusades that drew massive crowds and became known for miracles, healing, and soul-winning.
5. Was Uma Ukpai married and did he have children?
Uma was married to Philomena Uma Ukpai, a pastor. Their marriage produced 8 children and an adopted child. Uma Ukpai tragically lost 2 of his children in a car accident on the same day.
6. What humanitarian work did Uma Ukpai do?
For more than 30 years, the ministry ran a medical outreach whilst doing the work of God. He chaired the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and King of Kings Hospital, a specialist hospital in Abia State, catering to communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
7. When did Uma Ukpai celebrate his 80th birthday?
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai marked his 80th birthday on January 7, 2025, celebrating this major milestone just months before his passing.
8. What was Uma Ukpai’s relationship with Pastor Adeboye?
Pastor Adeboye regarded Uma Ukpai as one of his greatest spiritual inspirations, recalling their first meeting over 40 years ago. Adeboye said he learned the importance of true worship and unwavering service to God from Ukpai, lessons that shaped his ministry.
9. How did Uma Ukpai convert to Christianity?
Uma Ukpai converted to Christianity in 1958. His Christian background pitched him against his uncles who could have sponsored his educational pursuit after his father’s death.
10. What was Uma Ukpai’s role in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria?
Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, UUEA, was one of the financiers of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), demonstrating his significant financial and leadership contribution to the movement.
11. What kind of crusades did Uma Ukpai hold?
Uma Ukpai held many citywide crusades all over Nigeria, drawing massive crowds with his emphasis on miracles, healing, and evangelism.
12. What is Uma Ukpai’s lasting legacy?
His teachings remain widely distributed through books, audio messages, and recorded sermons, while the institutions he founded stand as living testaments to his legacy. Pastor Adeboye described Uma Ukpai’s legacy as extending far beyond his sermons, calling him “a great man of God whose example continues to inspire generations.
Top 20 Resources Related to Uma Ukpai
Official Ministry Resources
1. Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) Official Website
Description: The official website of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s ministry, featuring sermons, teachings, crusade schedules, and ministry updates. Note: Contact information and resources available through the ministry headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
2. Dr. Uma Ukpai Official Facebook Page
Link: facebook.com/DrUmaUkpai Description: Official Facebook page with over 1 million followers featuring daily devotionals, sermon videos, ministry updates, and inspirational messages from Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.
3. Dr. Uma Ukpai Instagram Account
Handle: @uma_ukpai Description: Official Instagram account with 58K+ followers showcasing photos, ministry events, and inspirational content from the founder of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.
Books and Written Materials
4. “An Encounter with God” Series
Description: A comprehensive teaching series by Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai exploring personal encounters with God and spiritual transformation. Available through Christian bookstores and online platforms.
5. Uma Ukpai Sermon Collections
Description: Compiled teachings and sermons available in print and audio formats, covering topics including faith, miracles, deliverance, and Christian living.
6. Uma Ukpai Devotional Materials
Description: Daily devotional guides and prayer resources developed from Rev. Uma Ukpai’s ministry teachings, available through the UUEA.
Audio and Video Resources
7. Uma Ukpai YouTube Channel
Description: Video archives of crusades, sermons, teachings, and special messages from Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s decades of ministry.
8. Uma Ukpai Sermon Audio Archives
Description: Extensive collection of audio recordings from crusades, conferences, and special teachings spanning over 30 years of ministry.
9. Uma Ukpai Crusade Documentary Collection
Description: Documentary footage of major citywide crusades across Nigeria and Africa, showcasing testimonies of miracles, healing, and transformation.
Healthcare and Humanitarian Institutions
10. Uma Ukpai Eye Centre
Location: Abia State, Nigeria Description: Specialized eye care facility founded by Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, providing eye treatment and surgery services to communities across southeastern Nigeria.
11. King of Kings Hospital
Location: Abia State, Nigeria Description: Specialist hospital founded by Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai serving communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States with comprehensive medical services.
12. UUEA Medical Outreach Program
Description: Long-running medical mission initiative providing free healthcare services during crusades and community outreach events across Nigeria.
Educational and Biographical Resources
13. Uma Ukpai Wikipedia Page
Link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uma_Ukpai Description: Comprehensive biographical information including early life, ministry history, family details, and legacy of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.
14. “God Generals: Nigeria Christian History” – Uma Ukpai Feature
Link: godsgeneralsnigeria.blogspot.com Description: Detailed biographical article documenting Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s life story, ministry development, and impact on Nigerian Christianity.
15. ThisDay Live – “At 80, Rev. Uma Ukpai’s Life of Faith, Miracles, and Enduring Legacy”
Link: thisdaylive.com Description: Comprehensive profile article celebrating Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s 80th birthday, featuring interviews, reflections, and ministry highlights.
Ministry Programs and Initiatives
16. Uma Ukpai Sustainable Wealth Creation Initiative
Description: Ministry program designed to empower Christians with wealth creation strategies and financial independence, reflecting Rev. Uma Ukpai’s vision for economic liberation.
17. UUEA Leadership Training Programs
Description: Ministry training and development programs for pastors, evangelists, and church leaders based on Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s decades of ministry experience.
18. Uma Ukpai Scholarship Programs
Description: Educational support initiatives providing scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, continuing the ministry’s commitment to education.
Historical and Legacy Resources
19. Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Historical Archives
Description: Historical documentation of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s founding role and contributions to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria movement.
20. Uma Ukpai Memorial Tributes and Legacy Documentation
Description: Collection of tributes, testimonies, and memorial services honoring Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s life and ministry following his passing in October 2025, including messages from prominent Christian leaders like Pastor E.A. Adeboye.
Additional Context and Legacy Information
Ministry Impact Statistics
- Ministry Duration: Over 30 years of active evangelistic work
- Geographic Reach: Nigeria and international crusades
- Social Media Following: Over 1 million followers across platforms
- Healthcare Impact: Thousands served through medical outreach programs
- Denominational Influence: Founding leader of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria
Key Ministry Characteristics
- Non-denominational approach: Building bridges across Christian denominations
- Emphasis on miracles and healing: Known for supernatural manifestations
- Humanitarian commitment: Medical missions, hospitals, and community development
- Leadership development: Training and mentoring next generation of ministers
- Financial empowerment: Wealth creation initiatives for believers
Recent Developments (2025)
- 80th Birthday Celebration: January 7, 2025 – Major milestone celebration with prominent Christian leaders including Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Governor Umo Eno
- Passing: October 6, 2025 – Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai went home to be with the Lord at age 80
- Legacy Continuation: Ministry institutions and programs continue under established leadership
Notable Relationships and Influence
- Pastor E.A. Adeboye (RCCG): Described Uma Ukpai as one of his greatest spiritual inspirations
- Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria: Founding member and major financial supporter
- Nigerian Church Leaders: Widely respected across denominational lines
- International Ministry Network: Connections with evangelists and ministries worldwide
Research and Citation Notes
This analysis is based on recent news reports, official ministry sources, and verified biographical information available as of October 2025. The passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai in October 2025 marks the end of an era in Nigerian Christianity, but his legacy continues through the institutions he founded and the lives he touched during his 80 years of life and over 30 years of active ministry.
For the most current information about memorial services, continuing ministry programs, and legacy initiatives, please consult official UUEA channels and verified Nigerian Christian media sources.