President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr. Uma Ukpa, the founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Dr Ukpai, who died at age 80, was also an international evangelist, and leader of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.
In a condolence message on Monday, the President described the late Preacher as an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.
President Tinubu said Evangelist Ukpai who was born in the small town of Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State, went through his paces, enduring challenges while passing through school. But God had his purpose well defined.
“He obeyed the divine call and impacted generations with his ministry.
“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. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” he said.
According to the President, 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,” he noted.
While stating that Dr Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission, fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, and has gone to be with the Lord, President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty grant him eternal rest.
He commiserated with his family, especially his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, and his children, as well as members of his ministry, and encouraged them to find solace in the great legacy of this beloved servant of God.
