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By Chukwuma Umeorah
Rev. Uma Ukpai, a revered leader whose work has united Christians and transformed lives across Nigeria, will celebrate his 80th birthday on January 7, 2025.
Known as the father of the Pentecostal Christian Movement (PCM) in Nigeria, Rev. Ukpai has built a legacy that extends far beyond the pulpit, influencing the nation’s religious, educational, and healthcare landscapes.
Born in Abia State on January 7, 1945, his leadership in uniting Christian denominations through the Greater Lagos Crusades in the 1980s led to the formation of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in 1985, a body that continues to promote religious tolerance and cohesion. This demonstrates his leadership in fostering interdenominational unity and shaping the structure of modern Pentecostalism in Nigeria.
His influence is equally profound in philanthropy and education. He founded the King of Kings Hospital and Uma Ukpai Eye Specialists Hospital in Ohafia, providing critical healthcare services in underserved areas. His educational initiatives include the ‘Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Bible Studies’ in Akwa Ibom State, the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic in Abia State, and a fashion school aimed at empowering youth with skills.
Reflecting on his early struggles after losing his father at age 10, Ukpai once said: “I know what it means to lose a father and to be a father at a tender age. I have feelings for the poor, for I know what it means to be poor. I learned early in life that the stone satan throws at you can become your stepping staircase to a life of abundance.”
An accomplished scholar, Ukpai’s academic journey spans electrical engineering, journalism, and divinity, with credentials from institutions in Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom. His life story serves as a blueprint for resilience and selflessness, inspiring millions across Nigeria and beyond.
