Renowned Nigerian-born televangelist, Rev. Uma Ukpai, president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Ministries, passed away on October 6, 2025, the family confirmed in a statement released today, October 13.
His death marks the end of a life defined by faith, resilience, and extraordinary service to humanity.
Ukpai, who dedicated decades to evangelism across continents, once recounted one of the most harrowing experiences of his life: the tragic loss of two of his children and several church members in a single day.
In a past interview, Rev. Uma Ukpai recounted the harrowing day with detail. He said the morning had started like any other, preparing for a crusade in his village. “As early as 5:00 a.m., armed robbers had come to my office,” he recalled, adding that God had warned him that day would be a test of faith. But nothing could have prepared him for what lay ahead on the road.
Ukpai’s driver was carrying his two children and a cousin when their vehicle drove into a river. Without hesitation, he plunged into the water to save them, unaware that his wife, who could not swim, had also jumped in behind him. He described the terrifying struggle: “The water carried her, threw her up six times. It was at the seventh time that somebody called my attention to her. I used one hand to swim and the other to hold her and brought her to shore.”
Tragically, his children could not be rescued in time. Ukpai detailed the horrifying moment: “They had died; because a child stays under water only for two minutes. I put them in a car to pray for them, but an oncoming car from the opposite direction drove into the car and smashed it. The bumper flew out, the bonnet flew out. I stopped and I was pacing up and down, not knowing what to do next.”
The calamity did not end there. Ukpai said a messenger ran to him with the news that his 50-seater bus carrying his band had caught fire, with no certainty of how many perished. Amid the chaos, Ukpai described being struck by a mixture of grief and faith: “I was composed because God had warned me. I didn’t make those children. God gave them to me. All that I had, now have and will ever have is given by God. And His will is supreme.”
Despite the unimaginable loss, Ukpai continued on to preach at the crusade venue that day. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “We have been driving on that same road for years and that driver had been my driver. If God, over the years, protected us and decided to lower the hedge one day, why should I protest? So, I marched on!”
Born in Anambra State , Ukpai was known for his global evangelistic impact. In 1986, he was among a select group invited to pray for U.S. President Ronald Reagan , and over his ministry, he organized over 18 crusades outside Nigeria in a single year. He established a 100-bed hospital, built universities in Uyo and Abia State, and brought tangible development to his native village, including streetlights and improved roads.
Ukpai’s personal life was equally defined by devotion. Married to his wife from the same village, he often spoke about the importance of celebrating one’s spouse and nurturing family bonds. “Even when your wife has wounded or hurt you, please don’t chastise her. Make sure you put money in her hand, even when she has her own money,” he once advised, emphasizing love, appreciation, and respect in marriage.
Beyond his ministry, Ukpai frequently reflected on Nigeria’s challenges, framing crises as opportunities for growth and leadership. “Nigeria is going through the best time of her life… A great man solves great problems, a small man solves small problems,” he said.
