.PFN,OTHERS MOURN
By INNOCENT Igwe
The family of the fiery Evangelist and one of the founding fathers of Pentecostalism has announced the transition of Rev Dr Uma Ukpai,who passed unto eternal glory on October 6,2025 at the age of 80.
In a statement by the family entitled “GLORIOUS TRANSITION OF REV DR UMA UKPAI”made available to Daily Nigerian Horn,which in part reads ” with hearts full of gratitude,we celebrate the triumphant home going of Rev Dr Uma Ukpai.A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.”
The family said he dedicated over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the word and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God and impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.
The family described him as a spiritual general known for evangelism,a founding father of faith, loving husband,devoted father and mentor to many and pointed out that, his life was a testament to God’s power and love.
According to the family ” while we mourn his physical absence,we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise” it stated.
The statement further said that details of the obsequies will be announced in due course by the family and expressed gratitude to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacies.
Meanwhile the National leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN),led by Bishop Francis Wale Oke, mourns the passing unto eternal glory of God’s servant, and one of its founding fathers, Evangelist Dr Uma Ukpai,who departed this earthly realm recently.
The statement signed by the PFN, National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke,made available to Daily Nigerian Horn, said the transition came at a sensitive period for the PFN, especially as it prepares to celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary but that the Fellowship bows to the sovereign will of the Almighty, for God’s time remains the best as it is comforted in the assurance that “precious in the sight of the lord is the death of his saints” he stated.
He said pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a father in the faith,a trailblazer evangelist, and a unifying force in the body of Christ adding that his tireless labour in soul winning,revival crusades and interdenominational harmony remain eternal legacies.
According to the PFN, National President” in honour of his impactful life and kingdom exploits ,the forthcoming PFN @40 THANKSGIVING AND CELEBRATIONS,shall be officially dedicated to his memory,as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation” he said.
Bishop Wale Oke extended heartfelt condolences to his immediate family,the entire Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and the global christian community and prayed that the Holy spirit, the comforter, strengthens the PFN at this time.
