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UMA UKPAI

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Early Life & Education

Uma Ukpai was born on 7 January 1945 in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria.

He lost his father at a very young age, which posed challenges for his early schooling and life.

Despite adversities, he was self-reliant: he worked, saved, and found means to support his education.

In terms of formal training, various sources list that he studied in journalism and media in the UK, and obtained theological education in the U.S. He held credentials such as a Diploma in Journalism and a Doctorate in Divinity.

Conversion & Call into Ministry

Um­a Ukpai reportedly became born again in 1958, placing him in his early teens when he committed his life to Christ.

According to interviews, one of his earliest encounters in ministry involved a miraculous healing event (a “healing of a mad man”) in his youth, which he cited as a launching point for his calling.

His ministry calling matured into evangelistic crusading, preaching, prophetic ministry, and bridging denominational divides.

Ministry & Achievements

Founding & Leadership

He founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He was also an influential figure in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), helping to pioneer or support that collective fellowship of Pentecostal ministries in Nigeria.

Crusades & Outreach

Uma Ukpai was known for large, citywide evangelistic “crusades” across Nigeria.

Some special campaigns include “Greater Ohafia for Christ,” “Greater Ibadan for Christ,” and others.

His ministry was not limited to preaching: he also engaged in medical outreach, building hospitals, eye care centers, and other social/health efforts.

Institutions & Legacy Projects

He was proprietor or sponsor of several institutions:
• Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo
• Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga
• Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation
• Joseph Business School (affiliate of Joseph Business School, Chicago, USA)

He also oversaw medical centers such as the “Uma Ukpai Eye Centre” and “King of Kings Hospital” in Abia State, serving surrounding states.

Influence, Character & Testimonies

Uma Ukpai was widely revered by peers. For instance, Pastor E. A. Adeboye (RCCG) once publicly stated that when he lost his son, he drew strength from the steadfast faith and example of Uma Ukpai.

At his 80th birthday, followers gifted him ₦80 million as a mark of appreciation and honor.

His life was peppered with stories of personal trials — losses, family tragedies, spiritual warfare — and how he overcame them by faith, which endeared him to many as a man of authenticity.

Death & Legacy

The family publicly confirmed that Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai passed away on 6 October 2025, at age 80.

His death was announced via official platforms, noting that he “finished his race” and is now “resting in eternal praise.”

Media reports placed his passing in Lagos (though some sources mention burial details to come).

His death has been mourned across Nigeria’s Christian community and beyond, with many reflecting on the impact of an evangelist who spanned more than six decades in ministry.

Summary & Reflection

Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai’s life is a narrative of resilience, vision, and enduring faith. From a challenging early life to becoming one of Nigeria’s influential evangelists, he combined evangelism, institutional building, social outreach, and cross-denominational bridging.

Some key marks of his legacy:

Evangelistic zeal — As a preacher and crusader, he touched countless lives.

Institution builder — He created structures (theological schools, polytechnic, hospitals) that carry forward beyond his lifetime.

Mentor & spiritual father — To many pastors and believers, his life was an example, a source of encouragement in trials.

Public respect & honor — His 80th birthday was celebrated widely, showing how deeply he was valued in Christian circles.

Religion

Pastor Chris Reportedly Fills Up Fifteen Stadiums in One Night at the Night of Bliss

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s Night of Bliss on November 21, 2025 has quickly become one of the most talked-about Christian events in Nigeria. The programme was held simultaneously across the country, originally promoted as a ten-stadium event, but several reports and social media posts now claim the gatherings took place in fifteen stadiums nationwide.

Videos, photos and livestreams show massive turnouts across multiple cities, including Benin City, Port Harcourt, Lokoja, Asaba, Jalingo, Eket and others. Reports say all the stadiums involved were filled, though independent verification of exact attendance figures remains limited. What is clear from public footage is that each location recorded huge numbers of worshippers who gathered through the night for prayer, teaching and praise.

Even without confirmed capacity counts, coordinating ten to fifteen major gatherings across different states at the same time is a remarkable accomplishment. The atmosphere in each venue appeared vibrant and unified, with many participants describing the night as spiritually impactful.

For many believers, the Night of Bliss stands out as a moment of nationwide connection, sweeping attendance and extraordinary scale.

Have you ever witnessed anything like this?

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Religion

Every member of this church should be awake one hour every night — Bishop Oyedepo reveals how to battle alleged gen0cide of Christians in Nigerians

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Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has warned Christians over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, following a spate of recent @ttacks on churches that resulted in multiple d3aths and abductions, saying Christians must take decisive action.

The bishop’s warning comes as international concern mounts, with Italy becoming the second G7 nation, after the United States, to openly demand an immediate end to the targeted k!llings of Christians in Nigeria.

Speaking at a Pre-Shiloh Encounter Church Service, Bishop Oyedepo expressed deep concern over the nation’s current situation.

“Developments in the past two weeks, particularly in Nigeria, are worrisome to say the least. There is need for a prompt response in prayers to stop the k!llings once and for all. You can’t trade people’s lives for your comfort.”

“All the innocent bloo.d shared is speaking vengeance… all the perpetrators will pay with their lives.”

The cleric urged church members to launch into “midnight raid (prayers)”.

“Every member of this church should be awake one hour every day for one week before v!olence descends to an@rchy in Nigeria…”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRb2LF9DNnh/?igsh=eGY2aWxvbzM5eDc=

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Religion

‘Children Were Crying’ – St Mary’s Principal Recounts Midnight Raid As More Details Emerge

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More details have surfaced regarding the abduction of students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, with the school principal, Rev. Sr. Felicia Gyang, giving a chilling account of how the attackers stormed the premises.

In a video clip dated November 21 and obtained by Sunday Punch, Gyang narrated how the terrorists forced their way into the school in the early hours of the morning while terrified children screamed for help.

According to her, the armed men arrived shortly after midnight, using motorcycles and vehicles to break through successive gates.

“The unfortunate incident happened past 12 when we heard noise, motorbikes, and the sound of cars. Before we knew it, there were serious bangs on different gates in the compound,” she recounted.

She said the sisters quickly gathered to observe the commotion.

She stated, “We got up, and I called my other sisters for us to peep out. When we peeped, we heard noise and children were crying.”

Gyang explained that in the confusion, locating keys to some gates became difficult, leaving her no choice but to exit through an alternative route to assess the situation.

“Apparently, when we were there trying to see what would happen with those that were out of danger at that moment, we could hear the sound of the other bus,” she said, referring to the vehicle used by the attackers.

She added that distress calls echoed from various parts of the compound as the bandits advanced.

The principal revealed that multiple attempts to reach security personnel during the attack were unsuccessful.

She added, “At the end, we heard the security man at the main gate rowing. We couldn’t hear what he was saying, but after some time, we heard them driving off on bikes.

“One of us was making calls to see who we could call for help. We tried to call places around where we could get help. We tried the Divisional Police Officer, too, but we couldn’t get through.”

Asked whether the school had received any prior alerts from security agencies, Gyang dismissed the claims.

“No, we didn’t receive,” she said.

She also denied suggestions that the school had earlier been advised to shut down over security concerns.

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