Uma Ukpai was a gift to Akwa Ibom – Gov Eno

2026-03-21 - 13:44

By Egufe Yafugborhi GOVERNOR Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has described late Abia State-born preacher and Christian leader, Rev. Uma Ukpai, as a gift to Akwa Ibom and humanity. At Friday’s Night of Songs and Tributes organised in Uyo by the Akwa Ibom State Government as part of the funeral for Ukpai, Eno acknowledged the support of the revelled spiritual leader for his administration’s Arise Agenda and the progress of the state at large. He described Ukpai as an embodiment of morality who used his unfettered access to leaders across the globe to advance causes that helped the poor and the downtrodden. He appreciated him for founding the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, with headquarters in Uyo, from where he propagated the Gospel around the world with passion, power, and prophetic insight, leading multitudes to Christ, as well as raising a generation of evangelists across the globe. He said, “For over six decades, he defined the spiritual soul of our dear State. Though he was from our neighbouring Abia State, the world knew him through his Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, headquartered here in Uyo. “Uyo was his home, Uyo was his base, and Uyo had all of the blessings, and he was a gift to us, so we celebrate him tonight. “He consistently prayed for the peace and progress of this State and offered wise counsel that strengthened our shared pursuit of sustainable growth and spiritual renewal.” Eno noted the former National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) had loved him personally, consoling the wife, Dr. Philomena and the family with the assurance of the state’s commitment to supporting them in advancing the dreams of the cleric. “For us here in Akwa Ibom State, there will never be goodbyes for our dear father and Christian General, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai,” he said. Reflecting on the sermon, “Across the Bridge,” Dr. Emmanuel Kure of Throne Room Ministry with text from Mark 16:6, described Ukpai as a great spiritual intercessor, a hero of faith, and an embodiment of power whose presence commanded audacity and authority of the Holy Spirit. The cleric noted that his death has quickened the spiritual growth of young preachers who must rise up and fill the vacuum created by his passing. National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, acknowledged late Ukpai among founding fathers of PFN with the goal to unite all pentecostal denominations in Nigeria. He described him as a passionate leader, a man of miracles, signs, and wonders, urging Christians to emulate him and continue to encourage and pray for his family to sustain his legacy. On behalf of Akwa Ibomites, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, described the late cleric as a man of truth, honour, courage, passion, and conviction, who believed in mentoring leaders to boost human capital development in the state. Chief Assam highlighted his mentorship impact from his formative days at the Scripture Union to the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association which, according to him, has helped produced quality leaders in the state. As the state honoured him with the Night of Tribute, Chief Assam thanked God for the gift of Rev Ukpai whom he described as an “irreplaceable asset to the state.”