It is all over the news that Rev, Dr. Uma Ukpai has passed. Read the message realesed by his family in his official Facebook page.
Today, let’s reflect on the power of personal branding through the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a Christian leader, international evangelist, and one of Nigeria’s most respected faith icons.
Rev. Uma Ukpai was the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Though many associated him with Akwa Ibom, he hailed from Asaga in Ohafia, Abia State, in the South-East region, a reminder that your roots don’t define your reach.
Born on January 7, 1945, his journey was marked by resilience, faith, and vision. After losing his father at the age of ten, young Uma learned early to bear responsibility and to turn hardship into strength. In his own words, “I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I know what it is to save money to pay school fees. So, I have feelings for the poor. I learnt early enough to know that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.”
He converted to Christianity in 1958 and pursued both spiritual and academic excellence with uncommon determination.
He attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, Khana County Council School, Ogoni, All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and Niger Delta Technical School, now Boys Technical College, Aba.
His thirst for knowledge took him beyond Nigeria to the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom, South Florida Christian College, Miami, Carolina Christian University, and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA.
He earned a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and both Bachelor’s and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity.
Rev. Uma Ukpai was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and their union was blessed with eight children and one adopted child. Despite the deep personal pain of losing two of his children in a car accident on the same day, he continued his ministry with unshakable faith and compassion.
His calling was clear, to build bridges between denominations and to unite Christians through evangelism, healing, and compassion. Through UUEA, he led decades of medical and spiritual outreach programs that brought hope to millions. His citywide crusades from Greater Ibadan for Christ (1982) to Nsukka 2012, Anioma One-Million-Man Crusade (2016), and the annual Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade became landmarks of revival, healing, and unity.
It was his famous Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985 that inspired the birth of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), an enduring legacy that transformed the landscape of the Nigerian church.
Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Ukpai embodied the essence of faith in action. He established the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and King of Kings Specialist Hospital in Abia State, both of which provide free and affordable healthcare to communities across Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
He was also the visionary behind several educational and empowerment institutions, including the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, and the Joseph Business School Nigeria, an affiliate of the Joseph Business School, Chicago, USA. Through the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, he opened doors for many young Nigerians to pursue education and purpose.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai built a brand rooted in compassion, faith, and service, a brand that transcended titles and denominations. His life reminds us that personal branding is not just about visibility; it’s about impact, consistency, and character.
He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations, a testimony that true greatness is not in how much we gather, but in how much we give, build, and believe.
Share, comment and follow us for more news.