Renowned Nigerian cleric and international evangelist, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), has passed away at the age of 80.

His family announced his passing via his official Instagram page, @Uma_Ukpai, on Monday, stating that the revered preacher and televangelist died on 6 October 2025.

Ukpai, whose ministry was non-denominational, led the UUEA headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement titled “With Hearts Full of Gratitude, We Celebrate the Triumphant Homegoing of Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai,” the family expressed deep appreciation to God for his life of service and impact.

“With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on 6 October 2025, at the age of 80. A faithful soldier of the Cross has been called to rest,” the family wrote.

The statement described him as a man who dedicated over six decades to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power — impacting millions of lives within Nigeria and across the globe.

According to the family, Ukpai was a spiritual general, a founding father of faith, a devoted husband and father, and a mentor to many. “While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise,” the statement added. “Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course.”

Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai was born on 7 January 1945 in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State. He lost his father at the age of 10 and endured a challenging childhood before answering the call to ministry.

He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, and Khana County Council School, Ogoni. He later studied at All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and Niger Delta Technical School (now Boys Technical College, Aba).

Ukpai earned a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and both Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees in Divinity.

He also studied at the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College, Miami; Carolina Christian University; and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA.

He rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s through his dynamic preaching and miracle crusades that attracted thousands across Nigeria.

He was one of the founding fathers of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which unites Pentecostal and Charismatic churches nationwide to promote revival and spiritual growth.

Through his ministry, Ukpai established several faith-based institutions, including the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, King of Kings Hospital, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, and the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies.

These institutions and his numerous outreach programmes reflected his lifelong commitment to spiritual and social transformation.

He is survived by his wife, children, and many spiritual protégés.