President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to the late renowned fearless Evangelist, Dr Uma Ukpai.
In a condolence message signed by him, President Tinubu said Reverend Ukpai at 80 was not just another preacher.
He said Ukpai was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.
Dr Ukpai was an international evangelist, leader of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and founder, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
He acknowledged the challenges his lowly family background threw at him, the storm he weathered victoriously.
“Born in the small town of Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, Evangelist Ukpai went through his paces, enduring challenges while passing through school.
Generational Impact
“But God had his purpose well defined. He obeyed the divine call and impacted generations with his ministry as one of the leaders in the Lord’s army.
He brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s. He was a firebrand,” the President noted.
Tinubu recalled Ukpai’s Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact.
“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 was also a humanitarian as he set up many charities, schools, and hospitals for the underprivileged.
According to the President, “Dr Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission before going to be with the Lord.
“He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. I pray that God Almighty grant him eternal rest and commiserate with his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and his children, as well as members of his ministry.
“I encourage them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God,” President Tinubu concluded.
