By Solomon OKPO
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday received the remains of renowned cleric, Rev. Uma Ukpai, at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, ahead of his funeral scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026.
The solemn reception drew government officials, religious leaders, and sympathisers who gathered to honour the late evangelist, widely regarded for his global impact in Christian ministry.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Eno described the late Ukpai as a towering figure in Christendom, noting that his passing represents a significant loss to the church and the wider society.
“The church has lost a general,” the governor declared, as he paid glowing tribute to the cleric’s lifelong dedication to the propagation of the Gospel.
He further acknowledged the deceased’s far-reaching influence, emphasizing that although he lived and served in Nigeria, his evangelical work transcended borders and touched lives across the world.
“On behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we receive his body today and formally hand it over to the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria for onward movement to the cathedral and subsequently to Abia State for interment,” Eno stated.
In his remarks, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, commended the governor for his show of compassion and support to the bereaved family.
Oke particularly appreciated the state government’s role in ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated process for the final rites of passage for the late “fiery evangelist.”
Rev. Uma Ukpai is remembered for his passionate preaching, evangelical outreach, and enduring legacy within the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria and beyond. His funeral rites are expected to attract dignitaries from across the country and the global Christian community.
