Burial Dates Announced for Nigerian Evangelist Uma Ukpai

“The family of renowned Nigerian evangelist, Uma Ukpai, has announced an elaborate burial programme to honour the late cleric whose six decades of fiery evangelism and humanitarian outreach left a lasting mark on Christianity in Nigeria. Funeral activities scheduled across Akwa Ibom and Abia states are expected to draw thousands of worshippers, church leaders and admirers eager to pay their final respects to one of the pioneers of modern Pentecostal ministry in the country.”

The family of late Nigerian evangelist Uma Ukpai has officially announced the burial arrangements for the respected preacher, widely regarded as one of the fathers of Pentecostalism in Nigeria.

Details of the funeral programme were released in a post on the late evangelist’s official Facebook page on Wednesday.
According to the announcement, activities will commence on March 8 with the opening of the mourning house at his residence in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

As part of efforts to honour his lifelong commitment to humanitarian service, a medical welfare and outreach programme will take place on March 14 at Nkek Village in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

On March 18, a Service of Honour will be held at 4 p.m. at the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association headquarters on Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo.

The Akwa Ibom State Government is also scheduled to organise a commendation service in honour of the late cleric on March 20 at 4 p.m. at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.

Funeral activities will later move to Abia State, where another medical welfare and outreach programme will be held on March 24 at Asaga, Ohafia, the evangelist’s hometown.

A state burial ceremony will take place on March 26 at 6 a.m. at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, followed by a Service of Songs and Tribute later the same day at 6 p.m. in Asaga, Ohafia.
The interment service is scheduled for March 27 at 10 a.m. at Asaga, Ohafia.

Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

Widely respected for his passionate preaching and large-scale gospel crusades across Nigeria and beyond, the evangelist dedicated more than six decades to spreading the Christian message, supporting humanitarian initiatives and promoting unity within the Christian community.

Many church leaders have described him as a spiritual trailblazer whose ministry helped shape the growth of Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria.