By Tony Ezike
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed her heartfelt condolences over the passing of renowned evangelist and global Christian leader, Rev. Dr. Umah Ukpai, describing him as a generational preacher whose life and ministry transformed countless souls across the world.
Evangelist Umah Ukpai, who hailed from Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. He was a Nigerian national and until his death resided in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he led the Umah Ukpai Evangelistic Association, a non-denominational gospel ministry renowned for its wide-reaching evangelical missions.
In her condolence message, Senator Ekwunife described Ukpai’s demise as a great loss not only to his immediate family and the people of Abia and Akwa Ibom States but also to the entire Christian community in Nigeria and beyond. She praised the late evangelist for his unwavering devotion to the propagation of the gospel, his inspirational teachings, and his commitment to humanitarian service.
Reflecting on her personal encounters with the revered preacher, Ekwunife recalled attending some of his crusades with her schoolmates during her formative years, describing those experiences as spiritually uplifting and life-changing. She noted that Evangelist Ukpai’s messages of faith, love, and righteousness will continue to inspire generations to come.
While extending her condolences to the Umah Ukpai family, the governments and people of Abia and Akwa Ibom States, as well as the Christian community across Nigeria, Senator Ekwunife prayed that God Almighty would grant his soul eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
She further urged Christian leaders to emulate the late evangelist’s humility, passion, and steadfast commitment to the gospel, adding that his legacy would remain a shining light in the annals of Christian evangelism in Nigeria.
“Evangelist Umah Ukpai lived a fulfilled life of impact. He was a man of strong faith, divine wisdom, and humility. His ministry touched lives across denominations and nations. Indeed, the world has lost a rare servant of God,” Ekwunife stated.
