Tinubu Mourns Rev. Uma Ukpai, Describes Him as a Firebrand Evangelist

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as “a firebrand in the Lord’s army” who played a pivotal role in spreading revival across Nigeria and Africa.

In a condolence message issued from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu said Dr. Ukpai was among the foremost Christian leaders whose ministry ignited a wave of spiritual awakening in the 1980s.

“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand,” Tinubu said.

Recalling the late evangelist’s historic crusades, the President noted, “I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in both proportion and impact.”

President Tinubu further described Dr. Ukpai as a man of unity and peace whose mission transcended denominational and ethnic boundaries.

“Dr. Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths and spread peace and harmony. He was a builder, building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes,” he added.

Concluding his tribute, the President said the late evangelist had completed his divine assignment on earth.

“Dr. Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” Tinubu stated.

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai passed away earlier this week. He was renowned globally for his evangelistic crusades and humanitarian works spanning several decades.