Dwight Uma, the third son and fifth child of the late Rev (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, has revealed the secret behind his father’s ministry.
Rev Ukpai was the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
He died on October 6 at the age of 80, triggering emotional reactions among Nigeria’s Christian community.
In an interview with The Punch, Dwight reflected on the life and legacy of the revered evangelist, who passed away recently, saying his father’s secret was his unwavering passion for God and obedience to divine instruction.
“My father had a passionate love for God and His work. He wasn’t in the ministry to get rich or famous. Whatever God asked him to do, he obeyed without hesitation,” Dwight said. “His zeal was evident in everything, from preaching to leading songs of worship.”
Dwight also spoke about his father’s cordial relationship with other church leaders across denominations, describing him as a bridge-builder in Nigeria’s Christian community.
He named Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Rev Felix Omobude, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa among his father’s close friends. He added that Pastor Kumuyi was also a friend, though they rarely met in person.
“God called my father to be a uniting force among different denominations. He avoided making enemies and preferred to make friends and build bridges in the faith,” he said.
Dwight revealed that Rev Ukpai also mentored several spiritual leaders, including Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Archbishop Emma Isong, and Rev Ntia I. Ntia, who have continued his legacy of evangelism.
When asked what message the late cleric would have for Nigeria in the current climate, Dwight said his father would remind Nigerians to return to God in prayer and humility.
“He would urge Nigerians to be a praying nation. He always said that people who know how to pray face no impossibilities. Whatever challenges Nigeria faces, God has the answers,” he said.
Reflecting on life as a pastor’s child, Dwight admitted that the family made many sacrifices for the ministry.
“For most of our upbringing, we didn’t always have him around. Sometimes we wanted him at school events, but he was away travelling for crusades. Our lives were intertwined with the ministry,” he recalled.
“It wasn’t always easy, but we understood that God had called him. As we grew older, we embraced that calling and supported him wholeheartedly.”
Dwight also recounted his father’s final days, revealing that the revered evangelist seemed aware that his time was near.
“He tried not to make it obvious that he was leaving us,” Dwight said. “During our last youth conference in Uyo, despite his fatigue, he insisted on coming to encourage us. He wasn’t there to preach—he just wanted to be present.”
He added that Rev Ukpai shared a final, touching instruction with the family before his passing.
“To one of my siblings, he said, ‘Take care of your mother.’ Barely two weeks later, he was gone,” Dwight said softly.
Although the family continues to grieve, Dwight said they take solace in the fulfillment of their father’s divine purpose.
“We wished he could have stayed longer, but we know he belonged to God first. Even years ago, he had predicted he would leave at a certain time. God’s wisdom is greater than ours,” he concluded.
Rev Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost preachers and crusade revivalists, whose ministry spanned continents and touched millions.
