“God asked me to be a bridge among different denominations,” Rev. Uma Ukpai recalled in an interview, explaining why he named his ministry Uma Ukpai Evangelical Association (UUEA) and adding that it “is not a church.”
He shed further light on his role: “To show the world that we are not part of the competition of establishing churches, we had to bear the name… we are there to bring about revival to Christendom and to build bridges amongst different churches… that is why we could give birth to Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) – the coming together of different churches… God asked us to do that in order to bring about unity in the body of Christ.”
Apart from being a key figure in the formation of PFN and a unifying presence, he was an example of progressive priesthood, recognising the importance of secular interventions alongside spiritual mediations. For instance, his ministry complemented its mega crusades and miracles with social services, particularly related to health and education.
He elaborated the philosophy behind this approach, saying, “I think it is not enough to preach the gospel; we need to give social services to people who may not understand what preaching is all about.”
Challenges he experienced in his early life shaped his passion for poverty alleviation. His father died when he was 10. “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,” he said.
Ukpai died on October 6, aged 80. He “met Christ” in 1958 as a member of the Assemblies of God Church. He was from Ohafia in present-day Abia State but established his ministry in Uyo in present-day Akwa-Ibom State.
He notably held crusades across Nigeria, including the yearly Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade, Anioma One-million-man Crusade (2016), Nsukka (2012), Greater Ibadan for Christ (1982), and Greater Lagos for Christ (1985), which led to the founding of PFN. He was also recognised as an international evangelist.
Among his memorable moments as a minister, he listed his participation in the “Full Gospel International Business Men Convention where I was the first African to speak for four days” and requests he received “to relocate to the United States of America but I didn’t go.”
He made an impact in health as chairman of Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, and King of Kings Hospital, a specialist hospital in Abia State for communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
His activities were no less impactful in education as the proprietor of Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic Asaga, Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, and Joseph Business School, affiliate of Joseph Business School Chicago, USA.
After completing his secondary education in Nigeria, he studied at the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College Miami, Florida, USA; Carolina Christian University and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA. He held a certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a diploma in Journalism, a bachelor’s, and a doctorate in Divinity.
When Evangel University Akaeze, Ebonyi State, gave him an honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), in 2016, he described the award as “a very pleasant surprise.” He added: “this is the first time I am getting a doctorate award from an academic institution… It will increase the driving force in my life to be the best a man can possibly be and to be a mentor and model to the younger generation.”
Indeed, he lived above controversy and scandal. His influential ministry is a testimony to his life of purpose.
More tributes have been pouring in for the late preacher and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Works Minister Dave Umahi, Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Alex Otti (Abia) yesterday mourned the eminent cleric.
In a personal tribute, Akpabio described the late Uma Ukpai as “God’s General” who stayed true to his calling and impacted not only the Kingdom of God but humanity as a whole.
He added: “Today, we mourn the passing of God’s General, Evangelist Uma Ukpai, whose transition has left the body of Christ and indeed humanity as a whole in a profound state of sadness. He was not just an Evangelist who won many souls for God, but a beacon of light who illuminated countless souls.
“It is remarkable that Evangelist Uma Ukpai stayed true to his calling with an unwavering commitment to preaching the word of God globally. His legacy remains one of impact, inspiration and hope for those whom he encountered.
“He was a man of great faith. While he committed his life to God and His work, he also catered for humanity through the establishment of schools and medical facilities to provide for the educational and healthcare needs of his communities.
“His passing has left an indellible mark on the hearts of many. Though this is a great loss not just to the body of Christ, I find solace in the fact that Heaven has gained one more Angel to watch over the flock of God. Indeed, he has joined the heavenly choir to sing praises in the presence of God.
“His journey may have ended, but his legacies live on in the hearts of humanity. Indeed, he has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, and he has kept the faith. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord whom he served.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his entire family, and the body of Christ. May you all find solace in the remarkable and impactful life that he lived and the knowledge that he may have left us physically, but his legacies live on.”
In his condolence message, Umahi described the late evangelist as “a man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion”.
The minister recalled the late Ukpai’s lifelong dedication to evangelism and spiritual mentorship, saying his insightful sermons had shaped the faith of countless Christians worldwide.
“The late Uma Ukpai was a renowned preacher and teacher of the gospel whose insightful sermons helped in shaping the spiritual journey of many Christians worldwide.
“He was a man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion. He shall be remembered for his untiring commitment towards promoting the flourishing of the word of God.
“He continued to preach the gospel of Christ until his last day on earth when he was ushered into the glorious presence of his heavenly Father,” Umahi said.
Governor Uzodimma recalled that the fiery preacher, known for organising large crusades across continents, channelled his intellectual gifts into building institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and charitable centres.
He wrote: “I admired him for his brand of evangelism, which had no boundaries. I admired him for his faith. I also admired him for his resilience and deep intellectualism.”
The Imo State governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) also stated that the late Uma Ukpai used his evangelism to foster national unity by promoting messages of patriotism and shared identity.
According to him, although Dr. Ukpai hailed from present-day Abia State, he settled and built his ministry in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in a practical demonstration of belief in one Nigeria, united by common destiny.
“From that base, he reached out to the world,” the governor said.
Uzodimma added that a remarkable feature of Dr. Ukpai’s ministry was his focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than personal glorification.
“By setting up a non-denominational ministry, the late evangelist demonstrated in practical terms that Christian unity is not only feasible but desirable. We have truly lost a great soldier of Christ,” he said.
Also, Abia State Governor Alex Otti; former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, and eminent Abia State residents have paid tributes to the late Dr. Uma Ukpai.
Governor Otti recalled what he called the father-son relationship between him and Dr. Ukpai over the years.
The governor said Ukpai’s death has created a vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the country.
He said: “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.”
In a condolence message he personally signed, the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described the late evangelist as one of the greatest gifts that God gave to Abia State and humanity.
Ikpeazu wrote: “The passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai came to me as a moment of deep personal grief and reflection.
“Abia, Nigeria, and indeed the world, have lost a man of uncommon faith, humility, and spiritual depth. He was profoundly impactful.
“Rev. Ukpai was one of Abia’s greatest gifts to Christianity and humanity, a man whose life radiated divine purpose and total devotion to God’s work.
“Personally, I feel his loss very deeply. Rev. Uma Ukpai was a steadfast supporter throughout my tenure as Governor of Abia State.
“He stood by me with prayers, words of wisdom, and unwavering encouragement.
“He believed strongly in the vision of a peaceful and progressive Abia and constantly reminded me to govern with compassion, humility, and the fear of God.
“Even beyond public office, Rev. Ukpai remained a source of personal strength and spiritual guidance. His kindness, simplicity, and deep love for humanity were evident in every interaction.
“He was a man who carried God’s presence everywhere he went, bringing hope to the hopeless, healing to the afflicted, and light to those in despair.
“Rev. Uma Ukpai’s life was a true testimony of what it means to live for God and to serve others selflessly.
“His ministry touched countless lives across nations and generations, and his legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire us all.
“On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ukpai family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the entire body of Christ.
“While we mourn his passing, we take solace in knowing that he lived a fulfilled life and has now entered into the eternal rest of his Master, whom he served faithfully till the end.”
The General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, express sorrow over the passing of Dr. Ukpai.
In a heartfelt condolence message, Bishop Nwankpa described the late Rev. Ukpai as “a towering figure in the Christian faith, a father in the Lord, and one of the greatest evangelists Nigeria has ever produced”.
He wrote: “Rev. Uma Ukpai’s departure marks the end of a glorious era of uncompromising evangelism and selfless service to God and humanity.
“He lived for the Gospel, laboured for the Kingdom, and left an indelible mark on the sands of time. His life was, indeed a sermon, one that will continue to inspire generations of believers.”
Popular preacher and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Dr. Uma Ukpai, has died.
He was 80.
Born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Ukpai rose from humble beginnings, overcoming early challenges to answer the divine call that later defined his life and impacted generations.
Through decades of evangelical work, he became a household name in Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement, renowned for his fiery preaching and mass crusades that drew hundreds of thousands.
A statement announcing his passing by his family said the cleric died on October 6.
The statement reads: “With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant home-going of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai… He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many.
“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”
The statement said details of his obsequies would be announced by the family in due course.
He is survived by a wife, children, and a global community of followers.
Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to the late Dr. Ukpai.
The President described the revered preacher as “one of God’s generals” whose life and ministry brought revival, peace, and humanitarian service to Nigeria and beyond.
In a tribute yesterday in Abuja, President Tinubu noted that the passing of Dr. Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), marked the end of a glorious chapter in Nigeria’s Christian history.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr. Uma Ukpai. Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness,” the President said.
President Tinubu recalled some of Ukpai’s historic crusades, including the Greater Ibadan for Christ crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ crusade in 1985, describing them as “phenomenal events in proportion and impact” that fueled the wave of spiritual revival across Nigeria and parts of Africa in the 1980s.
“Dr. Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and different faiths, and to spread peace and harmony. He was a builder—building men and bridges linking different faiths, people, tongues, and tribes,” the President noted.
Beyond the pulpit, the President lauded Ukpai’s humanitarian works, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and charities to serve the underprivileged.
“Dr. Ukpai has fulfilled his divine mission and has gone to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,” the President added.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the deceased’s wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and members of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, urging them to find comfort in the preacher’s enduring legacy of faith and service.
“May God Almighty grant him eternal rest,” the President prayed.
Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the late Uma Ukpai as a renowned evangelist, teacher, and servant of God.
A statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said: “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has received with sadness the news of the passing of Reverend Dr Uma Ukpai, a renowned evangelist, teacher, and servant of God, who went to be with the Lord on 6 October 2025 at the age of 80.
“Through crusades, teachings, and acts of charity, he devoted his life to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.
“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond. Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.
“On behalf of the leadership and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Reverend Dr (Mrs) Philomena Uma Ukpai, the entire Ukpai family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the Christian community in Nigeria and abroad who have been touched by his ministry.
“We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and grant them the strength to bear this great loss. May the legacy of his faith and service continue to inspire the Church and the nation. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Also, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed sorrow over Dr. Ukpai’s passing.
In a condolence message by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor described the death of the legendary preacher, renowned evangelist as a monumental loss to Nigeria, and the entire body of Christ worldwide.
“Rev. Dr. Ukpai was not just a preacher; he was a pivotal institution in Christian evangelism, national uprightness, and the Nigerian Pentecostal movement.
“For decades, his powerful voice echoed across continents, bringing salvation, healing, and hope to millions of people.
“The story of modern Christianity in Nigeria and across Africa cannot be complete without the indelible impact of Rev. Ukpai, through his crusades, theological teachings and establishment of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association dedicated to winning souls for Christ.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Monday, described the late Reverend Uma Ukpai as a renowned evangelist, teacher, and servant of God.
Ukpai, CAN said, was a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades.
A statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has received with sadness the news of the passing of Reverend Dr Uma Ukpai, a renowned evangelist, teacher, and servant of God, who went to be with the Lord on 6 October 2025 at the age of 80.
“Through crusades, teachings, and acts of charity, he devoted his life to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.
“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond. Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.
“On behalf of the leadership and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Reverend Dr (Mrs) Philomena Uma Ukpai, the entire Ukpai family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the Christian community in Nigeria and abroad who have been touched by his ministry.
“We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and grant them the strength to bear this great loss. May the legacy of his faith and service continue to inspire the Church and the nation. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Renowned gospel singer and worship leader, Nathaniel Bassey, has joined the chorus of heartfelt eulogies following the passing of evangelist Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, sharing a deeply personal reflection on the late preacher’s profound influence on his life and ministry.
In an emotional Instagram post, Bassey, celebrated for anthems like “Imela” and “Hallelujah Challenge,” lamented the irreplaceable void left by Ukpai, whom he affectionately called “Papa Uma.”
He recounted a recent inspiration to lead an evening fast among multitudes, a practice directly learned from Ukpai’s teachings, highlighting the evangelist’s lasting imprint on his spiritual routines.
Bassey wrote, “Oh! Dr Uma! Oh Papa Uma! Sometimes you wish some people would never die. What a man! Just a few days ago, I was inspired to lead multitudes in an evening fast. Something I learnt from you and did mention so.
“You called me SON. What a privilege. A man of God indeed. One of great power and immense stature, and impact. A man who knew the ways of the spirit, who knew how to deploy praise and worship in spiritual warfare and the supernatural. We ache, but heaven rejoices. Good night, papa.”
Ukpai died on October 6 at age 80, and the news was announced by his family on Monday, prompting widespread mourning across Nigeria’s Christian community.
The founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, known for his explosive crusades and emphasis on healing and deliverance, touched countless lives, including fellow artists like Frank Edwards, who credited him with a childhood miracle.
One of Nigeria’s most revered Christian leaders, Dr Uma Ukpai, has passed on to glory.
He died on October 6, 2025 at 80.
According to a statement by his family, the fiery preacher and evangelist “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”
Described as a faithful soldier of the cross, Ukpai dedicated more than six decades to preaching the gospel with passion, demonstrating the power of God through signs and wonders, and mentoring generations of ministers.
Known for his evangelistic crusades that drew multitudes across Nigeria and beyond, the late Ukpai was celebrated for his dynamic teaching of the Word, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Christ.
The statement from the family reads in part: “With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai… He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, loving husband, devoted father and mentor to many.
“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”
Details of his obsequies will be announced by the family in due course.
Ukpai leaves behind his wife, children and a global community of believers deeply impacted by his ministry.
How my wife was rescued in accident that claimed my children, nephews
Rev (Dr) Uma Ukpai is the founder and President of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association with headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The renowned preacher, who hits 80 on January 7, speaks with Online Editor Sunday Oguntola on his life, ministry and passion. Excerpts:
Becoming 80 is a milestone. What does it mean to you?
It is a question for the outsiders, not me. No, it doesn’t mean much to me. It is just the beginning of a new beginning.
But it must mean God has been faithful to you
Oh, yes. He has been more than faithful. And He has supplied all my needs according to His riches in glory. And he has been great. There is none as wonderful as He is.
Can you recall the encounter with “Deco” The mad man at the Khana Country Council Secondary School in River State, which launched you into reckoning?
A mad man came to our school and sacked the entire school. He sacked everybody. As we were all running from the mad man “DECO” God said to me, you also can sack the mad man. So I commanded him to roll out of the school. And to everybody’s shock, he began to roll out of the school.
While he was rolling, he said, ‘do you know that I am naked?’ When a madman discovers his naked, that is an obvious indication and evidence that he has been healed. I was about 10 years plus. He was very tall, well fed and groomed.
Sequel to that incident, my headmaster came and said, ‘At this tenders age you are already into juju activities.’ I said sir, I gave my life to Christ. I am a born again Christian, and at the mention of Jesus Christ, all things were possible.
My headmaster was surprised at my response. He then said from tomorrow, you will start our prayer meetings in the school. You are now our pastor. Every morning you will lead us all in the morning prayer for the school.’
That was your first deliverance service at just 10?
Yes
So, will you say that was a confirmation and validation of the power that God infested you with?
It is not just that the power of God was invested in me; it is power that God can invest in anybody who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it simply means you can do the impossible. It means that God has endowed you with power. And power means ability to change the future of people, the lives of people and the health of people.
I was amazed yesterday morning. People were healed during our services. I am amazed that miracles have been going on without limit and without hindrances since I answered the call to serve God.
That incident must have left an indelible impression on your young mind…
I did not quite understand it at all. To me, it was an unfolding situation. It was about me discovering what God can do. Discovering what God is doing and what this God promises to do.
So, how did your parent react to that incident?
By this time, my father had died. My parents were not Christians. I was living with my uncle at Ogoni. They did not even know what God was doing. God had promised that there would be an endowment of power. He had promised He would do great, great things and new things. That was what was happening then.
How was growing up with your mum like?
My mother was not a pastor. She did not even know what was happening around her. But she took note of what happened. She often wondered what had changed me. I was no longer rascally or troublesome as other young boys. Though an old man has spoken to her about my future and told her that this child is not her own. She was instructed not to allow me to cook or be a houseboy and that God has a hand in my future. This added more value to my person.
My mother had lost one or two children before I came. So, she was willing to work around me, cook and take care of my needs, if that would keep me alive for her sake! So I was not allowed to work.
Your father’s death must have been tough
He was killed in 1955. My uncle took me to Ogoni when my father was killed. My uncle took me to Ogoni to help my mother and to help me get educated. This turned out to be my arrival to the Promise Land. I started schooling, and as God would have it, I gave my life to God in the Assembly of God Church. This is the genesis that brought about who I am today.
Before I went to Ogoni, God gave me wisdom on how to generate wealth with the money I made. And from that money, my mother was able to cater for my siblings and I.
But you suffered another tragedy that would have killed many. Guess God did not answer your prayers that day, right?
As God began to use me, I was privileged to attend a Bible school in Miami, Florida. God so favoured me and I got friends who began to invite me to minister in different states in America. A pastor friend Dright Marable decided to take me to Yongi Cho’s convention and at the end we smuggled Bibles safety to China. I guess the devil got angry and God did reveal to me that the devil tried to kill my wife. I did pray and God said the enemy would go only the farthest He God permitted. Although my wife almost got drowned, she was miraculously saved. But my two children and two cousins, who were in the car that fell off the bridge, got drowned.
Before we left Uyo that morning, I discovered that my printing press had been robbed of all movable items. Then, while we were trying to retrieve the dead, news came that our bus which was conveying some of our members to burial was involved in an accident but no one died. Truly speaking, that was a day of tragedy.
Incidentally, God revealed to a brother that the devil had planned the worse to kill my wife and to discourage me. But God did not allow all that to happen.
Surprisingly and shockingly too, I still went to preach the next morning after the children’s burial. I was deeply grieved but God is faithful and doing His bidding.
After that day of tragedy, what happened?
We moved on. God has rewarded us overwhelmingly over the years. And he is still rewarding us overwhelmingly till date. Of course, God has honoured His word and has been faithful in performing his word.
Some people believe your Greater Lagos Crusade for Christ gave birth to Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in May 1985. Is that true?
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) was founded sequel to the transformation Greater Lagos for Christ in May 1985. We had an overflow at the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos. We had over 23,000 prayer volunteers and turned Lagos into a prayer parlour. I picked those words because those are the things that will draw or paint a vivid picture of what transpired at the stadium. We had over 5,000 boys choir singing throughout the duration of the crusade. That was the gathering that metamorphosed into what is called PFN, which had become a national organisation all over Nigeria. And over the years, it has grown and still growing.
In that gathering also, we were able to reward 3,000 counsellors who had to counsel young and new converts. And we were to hire 84 Molue buses a day for eight days. Before now, it was thought and believed to be impossible. But we did it with God on our side. We were strategic in our thinking, involving every church in Lagos.
Let me tell you something: I invested six months of planning and relocated to Lagos. I had to live in Lagos for six months in an attempt to actualise that dream. It is no more a dream today; it is a reality and history.
After the pregnancy that delivered PFN in 1985, we were able to spread to every part of Nigeria. In fact, I remember the leftover money after the programme was given back to PFN. And amazingly, every part of Nigeria cooperated and supported the programme and the dream and the desire. This was, to me, very confusing. People that did not even know what the programme was all about invested their money, their time, before and after PFN. And it is still being sustained till now.
What informed the wealth creation empowerment scheme?
My wife and I are very passionate and very determined to see the body of Christ liberated from abject poverty into a life of abundance and comfort. This goal demanded the dream of assisting Christians who have the necessary ideas to create money and assist others in getting out of poverty. We believe that the Uma Ukpai Sustainable Wealth Creation will help us achieve the goal. The scheme is open to Christians who are ready and willing to have and share in our dreams of releasing men, women and children, the not too old, and the elderly from the bonds of poverty and enter into a better life.
The Bible says that we should support each other and contribute to those who currently have nothing. Eating is a form of labour and is a kind of remuneration and a reward system or processes for services rendered. So, you cannot eat if you don’t work. As a result, each of us must work.
Again, it’s amazing the Bible tells us that, you will not go through life without receiving anything. Let me say here that every born -again child of God is allotted an angel. Angels are purse bearers that carry money for you and provide it to you when you need it. As a result, every believer must be a wealth producer and this is how you may help God’s mission. The empowerment programme is for members of our fellowship. This is because our courses will show you how to accomplish things and how things work and produce outcomes.
The wealth creation empowerment scheme is divided into several categories. The Ambassador gets N1 million; the Governors go home with N500,000 each, the pilots get N300,000 each while the soldiers go home with N200,000 each. In 2023, 11 young female fashion designers got N100, 000 each with a sewing machine while the overall winner of the Uma Ukpai’s fashion week received N1 million cash. It will also interest you to know that about 125 participants of the fellowship were trained by business leaders and experts in multiple business initiatives.
How did you meet your wife with whom you have been married for over 40 years?
I got to know her during the war when we all had to return to our villages. To keep ourselves busy, hoping the war would stop soon, we formed students’ union meeting to discuss how we could help out in the village and be the eyes and ears of our community. We also took out time to conduct programmes that encouraged us and made life meaningful in the midst of tears and hardship.
It was after the war, when the reality of death and hardship dawned on us that many of us began to seek God anew. By now, we were no longer children but youths forced by war to face life and plan for a better future.
I became a fulltime preacher and began to preach in universities. This was when God told me that she would be my wife. It took God another three years to inform and convince her.
What attracted you to her?
Nothing in particular; just the voice of God and the impression God gave, the leading God gave and the urge God gave.
Having been married to her for 49 years, what would you like to change about her?
I have not noticed anything worth correcting. I don’t have any knowledge of what can be corrected except to accept the fact that we are normal human beings.
If you were not a preacher or an evangelist, what would you have been?
I can’t think of any.
But you ventured into journalism…
I read journalism in London School of Journalism for four years and read Theology in Florida.
What are your likes and dislikes?
I think I’m just a normal human being. I like what others like and I do what most people do. I don’t see myself as being special in any way. I’m just a normal man, regular Nigerian.
What are your favourite holiday spots?
I hardly go on holidays, I would not have any answer to that question but wherever life takes me to, I go there.
What lesson has life taught you?
One lesson I have learnt is that all things are possible to them that believe. God can do all things.
Do you have any plan of retiring?
As life comes, I am not expecting anything special, but I will go with the flow of the currents.
