The Abia State Government on Thursday held a state burial service in honour of renowned evangelist, Rev. Uma Ukpai, who passed away at the age of 80.
The ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, drew dignitaries from across Nigeria. Speaking at the event, Governor Alex Otti urged attendees to live purposeful lives that would earn them positive remembrance after death.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late cleric, Otti said his life should inspire deep personal introspection.
“The challenge before all of us is this: what will people say when it is our turn?” the governor asked.
He expressed gratitude to God for Ukpai’s impactful life and noted that the state’s decision to honour him was in recognition of his immense contributions to Abia State, Nigeria, and the global Christian community.
“Our decision to honour him reflects our belief in giving honour to whom it is due,” Otti added.
The governor also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, encouraging them to grieve with hope.
“You may weep, but not as those without hope, because we are assured of where he is. On the resurrection morning, those who died in the Lord will rise again, and we shall meet them,” he said.
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described Ukpai as a visionary leader who lived a life worthy of emulation. He urged Nigerians to take solace in the fact that the late evangelist “fought a good fight of faith and finished well.”
In a tribute, the National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Mosy Madugba, described Ukpai as a global voice and a unifying figure among gospel ministers, noting that the fellowship honoured him by draping its flag over his coffin.
Delivering the sermon, PFN President Bishop Francis Wale Oke emphasised the importance of righteous living, describing the late Ukpai as a model of holiness and unwavering dedication to the gospel.
In a vote of thanks, the deceased’s first son, Chidi Uma, expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government and other dignitaries for their support during the period of mourning.
The burial service was attended by prominent figures, including Bayelsa State Governor Doye Diri and his wife; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; several deputy governors; the wife of the former Edo State Governor, Bassey Obaseki; members of the National Assembly; state lawmakers from Abia and beyond; members of the State Executive Council; the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata; as well as numerous clerics and traditional rulers led by Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah.
