Renowned gospel minister and worship leader, Nathaniel Bassey, has joined thousands of Christians around the world in paying tribute to the late evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing him as one of the greatest spiritual fathers of this generation and a man whose teachings shaped his ministry and relationship with God.
Taking to his official Instagram page, the “Imela” and “Onise Iyanu” crooner poured out his heart in a moving message that reflected deep gratitude and admiration for the late preacher. Bassey noted that Dr. Uma Ukpai’s life and ministry were instrumental in inspiring his personal devotion to God, especially in the areas of prayer, fasting, and total submission to divine purpose.
He shared that his consistency in leading believers in spiritual exercises such as evening fasts and prayer sessions was greatly influenced by the lifestyle and discipline of the late evangelist. According to him, Dr. Ukpai’s example was a divine blueprint that helped him understand the importance of spiritual intimacy, consecration, and intercession.
In his tribute, Nathaniel Bassey wrote, “Oh! Dr Uma! Sometimes you wish some people would never die. Just a few days ago, I was inspired to lead multitudes in an evening fast. Something I learnt from you and did mention so.”
He further explained that even after many years of following the legendary preacher’s ministry, his admiration for Ukpai’s dedication to God has only deepened. “Your passion for souls and commitment to prayer shaped my understanding of what it means to walk with God,” he stated, emphasizing how Ukpai’s legacy continues to influence new generations of ministers across the world.
Legacy of power, humility, and unwavering faith
The gospel singer described Dr. Uma Ukpai as “a man of great power, immense stature, and spiritual depth,” noting that his understanding of divine principles made him a true general of faith. He praised the late evangelist for using worship and praise as spiritual tools for warfare, highlighting that Ukpai’s ministry was not limited to performing miracles but focused on unlocking the mysteries of faith through humility and total dependence on the Holy Spirit.
“You called me SON. What a privilege. A man who knew the ways of the spirit,” Bassey wrote, recalling the deep personal impact of Ukpai’s mentorship and spiritual fatherhood on his own journey. He added that few men carried such a rare combination of divine power and gentleness, describing him as both a warrior and a worshipper in the true sense of the word.
Ukpai’s passing on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, has been described as a monumental loss to the Nigerian Christian community and beyond. The evangelist’s death, which was officially confirmed by his family a week later, triggered a flood of tributes from top church leaders, gospel singers, politicians, and millions of believers who had been touched by his ministry.
A life of extraordinary impact and global influence
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, an interdenominational ministry that has held countless healing crusades, revivals, and deliverance programs across Africa and other parts of the world. For over five decades, he stood as one of the continent’s most respected voices in evangelism, known for preaching faith, unity, and the transformative power of prayer.
Through his numerous teachings, Dr. Ukpai mentored several emerging ministers, encouraging them to pursue holiness, persistence, and unwavering belief in God’s promises. Many of today’s leading gospel ministers, including Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, and others, have credited him for being a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration at various stages of their journeys.
His approach to ministry emphasized compassion and service to humanity, leading to the creation of outreach programs, educational initiatives, and community empowerment projects through the Ukpai Foundation. His legacy of faith and good works continues to inspire countless lives both within and outside the church.
Even in death, Dr. Uma Ukpai’s influence lives on. From music ministers to prayer warriors, his teachings on faith, perseverance, and intimacy with God continue to echo across congregations, crusades, and worship gatherings. As Nathaniel Bassey and others celebrate his life, it is evident that the seeds he planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
The Christian community across Nigeria and the diaspora continues to honor his memory with tributes, testimonies, and thanksgiving services, celebrating a life that embodied purpose, devotion, and unshakable faith in God.