Ukpai Family Confirms Evangelist’s Passing At 80 On October 6

THE Ukpai family has confirmed the death of the international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Uma Ukpai, on October 6, this year. He was 80 years old.
The family, in a statement via his official Facebook page on Monday, October 13, said: “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.”
The family, while stating that details of the burial will be announced in due course, added: “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, loving husband, devoted father and mentor to many and his life was a testament to God’s power and love.
“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 (Phil 1:21).”
Ukpai’s early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Having lost his father at the age of 10, responsibility was thrust on him at an early age, an experiance he recalled as foundation of his compassion for the poor and broken-hearted.
He said in an interview: “I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I learnt early that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.”
Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, but from Ebonyi State, the renown evangelist gave his life to Christ at the age of 13, thus marking the beginning of a journey that would impact countless lives across the world.
His formal education started at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School in Asaga, and later, Khana County Council School, Ogoni, from where he proceeded to All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and later to Niger Delta Technical School (now Boys Technical College), Aba, Abia State.
Undeterred by the circumstatnces of his early life, Ukpai pursued studies at the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham-Hermitage, United Kingdom (UK); South Florida Christian College, Miami, United States (US); Carolina Christian University; and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, US.
He obtained a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice; Diploma in Journalism and both Bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in Divinity.
Ukpai is survived by his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, who serves alongside him in ministry, and the union is blessed with eight children and an adopted child.
Some years ago, the couple lost two children on the same day in a tragic car accident.