A Nigerian man, Emeka Idika, who worked closely with Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai for almost a decade, has shared heartfelt memories and little-known facts about the late evangelist, following his passing at the age of 80.
Renowned for his powerful crusades and distinctive preaching style, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, died on October 6, 2025. However, news of his death was made public a week later, on October 13, 2025.
Taking to his Facebook page, Emeka Idika reflected on his years of working with the revered preacher, describing him as a man who “placed extraordinary value on knowledge and never stopped learning.”
In his tribute titled “Reflections on a Father, Mentor, and Legend,” Idika recalled how Rev. Ukpai would often summon him with his familiar call:
“Daddy: Emekaaaa…!
Me: Yes, Daddy.
Daddy: Duru nwei!! (Get dressed!)
Me: Yes, Daddy.”
He shared that each time those words were spoken, everyone around knew that “Daddy had an assignment” for him. For nearly ten years, Idika said, this routine became a part of his life.
“You always had a task waiting for me — sometimes small, sometimes major, sometimes strategic. Yet, even when there were many capable hands, you always found a way to get me involved,” he wrote.
“You trusted me, believed in me, and were confident that I could deliver. That confidence shaped me and many others who had the privilege of serving under you.”
Idika recounted a memorable incident where Rev. Ukpai once sent him on an urgent errand to bring a forgotten book from Uyo while he was preparing for a meeting in Lagos.
“I boarded the next available flight from Calabar to Lagos — just to deliver that one small book you could easily have bought anywhere. But as I flipped through its pages, I realized you had been ‘discussing extensively’ with the book, page by page,” he said.
Idika added that Rev. Ukpai’s deep love for learning was one of his defining qualities.
“You placed immense value on knowledge and supported anyone with a desire to learn. One of your favourite sayings was: ‘When you stop learning, you start dying from the neck up.’”
He described Rev. Ukpai as more than an individual, calling him “an institution” whose wisdom, faith, and discipline shaped countless lives.
“Various cohorts ‘graduated’ from you and Mummy, each carrying a piece of your teachings. The lessons we learned under you will continue to guide our steps for the rest of our lives,” he added.
Tributes Pour In for Rev. Uma Ukpai
Following Idika’s touching tribute, many Nigerians flooded social media with emotional reactions.
Chukwuma Amadi wrote:
“What a man! Just because of a valuable book, he paid for a flight. Please enable the share button.”
Kalu Ukpai commented:
“He was a true legend, and his legacy will live on from generation to generation.”
ArcEngr Ukoha Ukoha Ngwobia added:
“Rest on, sir, till we meet again.”
In a related development, a lady also shared her personal encounter with the late evangelist, thanking God for the profound impact he had on her life.
Meanwhile, a pastor earlier revealed a divine revelation he had about Rev. Uma Ukpai just hours before his death was announced, offering spiritual insights into the preacher’s passing and their personal relationship.
