PFN to Honour Late Pa Uma Ukpai with Posthumous Thanksgiving During 40th Anniversary

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has announced a special posthumous thanksgiving service in honour of Pa Uma Ukpai as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, set to commence on October 19, 2025.

Ukpai, who passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, was a founding member of the PFN and a revered figure in the Nigerian Christian community.

Addressing journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, PFN National President Bishop Francis Wale Oke, through the National Secretary Bishop David Bakare, revealed that the anniversary celebrations will be held simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Bishop Bakare explained that Ukpai had originally been selected as the main preacher for the 40th anniversary. “We expected that he would lead the celebration, and now that he’s no longer with us, we’ve decided to honour his legacy and make the 40th anniversary a tribute to his remarkable contributions,” he said.

On October 19, all PFN branches nationwide will hold thanksgiving and award services to celebrate the icons who have greatly contributed to the fellowship, with special recognition for the late Pa Uma Ukpai.

Bishop Bakare added that PFN leadership had also visited Ukpai’s widow to offer condolences and prayers. “The National President, who is abroad, asked me to lead a team to visit Mama, officially commiserate, and pray with the family,” he noted.