Breaking: Nigerian Evangelist Uma Ukpai Reportedly Dies at 80

Reports emerged on Monday that renowned Nigerian evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai, has passed away at the age of 80. The news, which began circulating early Monday morning, has since attracted an outpouring of reactions from across the country, though no official confirmation has yet been issued by his family or ministry.

Several media outlets, including PM News, Leadership, and SaharaReporters, reported that the revered preacher died in Lagos after a brief illness. According to PM News, Ukpai had been flown to Lagos about two weeks ago for medical care before reportedly passing on. However, the reports remain unconfirmed by close family sources or the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, which has not released any official statement as of the time of filing this report.

TheWill News, which also carried the story, cautioned that it was still a developing report and that official confirmation was being awaited. Despite the lack of formal verification, the announcement has quickly gone viral on social media, with tributes pouring in from religious leaders, politicians, and admirers across Nigeria and beyond.

Reverend Uma Ukpai was one of Nigeria’s most respected Christian evangelists, known for his dynamic preaching, large-scale crusades, and decades-long commitment to evangelism and humanitarian outreach. Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, he rose to national and international prominence through his evangelistic missions that spanned Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Over the years, Ukpai became a household name in Nigerian Christianity, frequently sharing platforms with other leading preachers and championing causes that promoted unity and moral renewal within the church. His crusades were known for attracting thousands of worshippers and for his emphasis on faith, healing, and national peace.

He founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), an interdenominational ministry headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which has organised some of the largest evangelical gatherings in the southern region of Nigeria. The ministry also manages a range of humanitarian initiatives, including scholarship schemes, medical outreach programs, and community development projects targeted at alleviating poverty and promoting education.

Rev. Ukpai’s influence extended beyond the pulpit. He was a respected voice on national issues and a moral adviser to leaders across political divides. His public messages often emphasised faith, forgiveness, and hope for Nigeria’s unity. In recognition of his work, he received numerous honours from religious and civic organisations within and outside the country.

Although details surrounding his reported passing remain uncertain, the story has already triggered nationwide reflection on his legacy. For many Nigerians, Uma Ukpai’s ministry symbolised a bridge between faith and service — one that combined evangelism with practical acts of compassion.

The Presidency and major Christian bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) are yet to issue formal reactions to the reports. However, social media spaces have been filled with messages of condolence and nostalgia, with several users describing him as “a spiritual father to the nation.”

If confirmed, his death would mark the end of an era in Nigeria’s evangelical history. For more than five decades, Ukpai’s voice resonated as a clarion call for faith and revival, inspiring generations of believers and preachers across denominational lines.

As of Monday evening, no official funeral arrangements or public announcements had been made by his family or ministry representatives. The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association’s official social media pages have also remained silent on the matter.

For now, the reported passing of Rev. Uma Ukpai remains a developing story. Until an official statement emerges, many Nigerians continue to hold out hope that the reports may yet be clarified. Whether confirmed or refuted in the coming hours, one thing is certain — the name Uma Ukpai will remain deeply etched in the annals of Nigeria’s spiritual and moral history, a symbol of faith, service, and enduring legacy.