Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned cleric and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as “a soldier of Christ” whose life touched millions across the world.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti said he received with sadness the news of the revered preacher’s death, and one of Abia’s most impactful and celebrated religious ambassadors, which was announced by the family.
Governor Otti recalled the personal bond he shared with the late evangelist, describing it as a father-son relationship and noted that Dr. Ukpai’s exit had created “a massive vacuum in Christendom, the State and the Country.”
According to the Governor, “Our father in the Lord, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai has, to the joy of the Heavens and celebration of the Angels, gone to be with the Lord.
“He was the father of all, a soldier of Christ and a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing of the sick, salvation for lost souls, fulfilment of the scriptures and manifestation of the prophesies of God.
“His death is devastating because of the positive influence he wielded, the positive impacts he made, the lives he touched in very special ways, and above all, the vacuum his exit has created”.
While lamenting that Rev. Ukpai’s passing came at a time when his services to God and humanity were still being enjoyed, Governor Otti said his death should rather be viewed as “a journey to Higher Glory”.
The Governor, on behalf of his family, the Government and people of Abia State, extended condolences to the Ukpai family and the Christian community, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss and sustain “the enduring fire of glory”, that the late evangelist ignited in God’s vineyard.
