By Joy Yesufu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Dr Uma Ukpai, describing him as “one of God’s generals” who devoted his life to spreading the gospel and serving humanity.
Dr Ukpai, who died at the age of 80, was also a co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and a major voice in the Christian revival movement that swept across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s.
In a heartfelt tribute on Monday, President Tinubu said the late cleric was “an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
The President recalled the evangelist’s major crusades, including the Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, which he described as “phenomenal events in both proportion and impact.”
“Dr Ukpai’s mission was to unite the Christian fold and promote peace and harmony among people of different faiths. He was a bridge-builder who spread the message of hope, love, and service,” Tinubu said.
The President further commended the late evangelist’s humanitarian works through various charities, schools, and hospitals established for the underprivileged.
“Dr Ukpai fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” the statement added.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Dr Ukpai’s wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his children, and members of his ministry, urging them to find comfort in the enduring legacy of a life devoted to faith and service.
“I pray that God Almighty grant him eternal rest,” he said.
