President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of the famend Nigerian evangelist, Uma Ukpai.
Mr Ukpai died on 6 October, based on a assertion from the household. He was 80 years previous.
In a tribute issued on Monday, 13 October, Mr Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the religion, crammed with hearth and ice for the gospel and restoring humanity to self-discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
Mr Tinubu stated Mr Ukpai impacted generations together with his ministry and that he has gone to be with the Lord.
“He was one of many leaders within the Lord’s military who introduced the keenness of revival sweeping throughout Nigeria and elements of Africa within the Eighties. He was a firebrand.
“I recall his Higher Ibadan for Christ campaign in 1982 and the Higher Lagos for Christ campaign in 1985, two phenomenal occasions in proportion and influence,” he stated whereas acknowledging Mr Ukpai’s humanitarian efforts by means of his charities, faculties, and hospitals.
The president stated the cleric’s “mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and totally different faiths and unfold peace and concord.
“He was a builder, constructing males and bridges linking totally different faiths, individuals, tongues, and tribes… He fought the great battle, completed the race, and saved the religion.”
The president commiserated together with his household, particularly his spouse, Philomena, his kids, and members of his ministry, and prayed that God ought to grant the late evangelist everlasting relaxation.
Mr Ukpai is the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Affiliation, headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He turned 80 on 7 January.
Uma spent most of his grownup life in Uyo
Though from Ohafia in Abia State, the late cleric had spent most of his grownup life in Uyo, the place he hosted lots of of Christians to a service each Wednesday at his Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Affiliation’s cathedral.
In January, his followers gifted him N80 million for his eightieth birthday. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State described him as “God’s reward to Akwa Ibom State” through the birthday celebration in Uyo.
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Enoch Adeboye, the final overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, preached through the birthday celebration and narrated how he (Adeboye) drew energy from Uma when he (Adeboye) misplaced his son.
Mr Adeboye had described his son’s passing because the “darkest second” of his life.
Mr Adeboye stated Mr Ukpai is “extraordinarily particular” to him and the Christian neighborhood inside and out of doors Nigeria.
He stated he met the evangelist over 40 years in the past at a “fantastic” campaign in Lagos and has adopted his actions since then.
“Should you see me kneeling all the way down to worship God earlier than I get up right here, I do know that if I comply with the footsteps of a terrific man like that… I believe after I develop a bit older, I’ll wish to be like Uma Ukpai,” Mr Adeboye stated, inflicting the viewers to snigger out loud.
Mr Adeboye thanked God for Mr Ukpai’s lifetime of service and dedication.
“It is a very nice event and I really feel totally humbled that somebody as nice as Uma Ukpai might ask me to come back and say a phrase on this big day,” he stated.
