𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃. 𝗗𝗿. 𝗨𝗺𝗮 𝗨𝗸𝗽𝗮𝗶 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗲 𝗜𝗻 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗮

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

27𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 2026

A memorial statue has been erected in honour of late renowned Nigerian cleric, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, in his hometown of Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, as residents and admirers celebrate his enduring spiritual legacy.

The monument, prominently sited within the community, portrays the revered evangelist holding a Bible in one hand while raising the other in a symbolic gesture of his lifelong dedication to preaching the Gospel.

An inscription on the base of the statue reads:

“In Memory of Asaga Ohafia Spiritual Father Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai (1945 – 2025)”

The project was executed by the Asaga Development Union (National), under the leadership of Chief Okpa Ibekwem Okpa, with sculptural work credited to Chikezie Ukaha.

Community leaders described the initiative as a tribute to a man widely regarded as a spiritual father, mentor, and global ambassador of the Christian faith.

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga Ohafia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most influential evangelists. Despite early life challenges, including the loss of his father at a young age, he remained steadfast in faith, committing his life to Christian service after a spiritual encounter in his teenage years.

He later founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), which grew from a modest prayer gathering into an international ministry known for large-scale crusades, healing services, and humanitarian outreach.

Widely respected for his bold preaching and prophetic ministry, Ukpai played a significant role in the expansion of Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria and was instrumental in the formation of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

Beyond evangelism, he invested in social development through the establishment of schools, healthcare facilities, and charitable initiatives, reflecting his commitment to what many described as practical Christianity.

Rev. Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, after over six decades in active ministry.

Residents of Asaga Ohafia say the newly unveiled statue serves not only as a memorial but also as a lasting symbol of faith, identity, and inspiration for future generations.

One community member noted that although the cleric is no longer alive, “his voice and impact continue to resonate across lives and communities.”