By Patrick TITUS, Uyo
The news of the death of the founder of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Assassination, Rev. Uma Ukpai came to many people in Akwa Ibom as shocking, just as it happened when the Christian faith in the state was still needing his ecclesiastical prowess in the service of God.
Among them is the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who said that he received the news of his passing away at the age of 80 with a heavy heart.
For several decades Evangelist Uma Ukpai, though an International Evangelist who preached the good news all over the world and led many to God through his Evangelistic Ministry, operated from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In a tribute personally signed by Senator Akpabio, he described Evangelist Uma Ukpai as “God’s General” who stayed true to his calling and impacted not only the Kingdom of God but humanity as a whole.
“Today we mourn the passing of God’s General, Evangelist Uma Ukpai whose transition has left the body of Christ and indeed humanity as a whole in a profound state of sadness. He was not just an Evangelist who won many souls for God, but a beacon of light who illuminated countless souls.
“It is remarkable that Evangelist Uma Ukpai stayed true to his calling with an unwavering commitment to preaching the word of God globally. His legacy remains one of impact, inspiration and hope for those whom he encountered.
“He was a man of great faith. While he committed his life to God and His work, he also catered for humaity through establishment of schools and medical facilities to provide for the educational and healthcare needs of his communities.
“His passing has left an indellible mark on the hearts of many. Though this is a great loss not just to the body of Christ, I find solace in the fact that Heaven has gained one more Angel to watch over the flock of God. Indeed he has joined the heavenly choir to sing praises in the presence of God.
“His journey may have ended but his legacies live on in the hearts of humanity. Indeed, he has fought a good fight, he has finished his course and he has kept the faith. May his soul rest in the bossom of the Lord whom he served.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his entire family and the body of Christ. May you all find solace in the remarkable and impactful life that he lived and the knowledge that he may have left us physically, but his legacies live on.
Another mourner, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who is the Commissioner for Information in the state, described the death of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai as a colossal loss to the entire christendom, especially the people of the state.
Umanah, while reacting to the incident, said that Uma Ukpai was a great man who impacted lives of people and government of the state.
“It is very unfortunate from what we have heard. Although we have not heard from the family, I have seen from the social media that he is dead.
“He was a great man. If the rumour is true, Nigeria has lost a religious icon. It is a colossal loss to the entire nation and the people of Akwa Ibom state.”
Umanah, who said official message is awaited from the said Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated that late Uma Ukpai has made a significant impact in the state.
“He made a very significant impact in Akwa Ibom, contributing to the development of the state. His death is a great loss to both Akwa Ibom and Abia states.”
The founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church and one of the fathers of faith in Akwa Ibom state, Apostle Dr. John Okoriko, while reacting to the news, noted that late Rev. Uma Ukpai lived a fruitful and rewarding life.
“The man lived a fruitful and rewarding life. I think he slept in the Lord. He has been a pioneer and pushful Pentecostal minister.
“I hope his work will follow him. A lot of christians were benefiting from his preachings,” Okoriko stated.
Rev. Uma Ukpai, according to the news, died on the 6th of October, 2025 in Lagos at the age of 80.
