Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has lauded the contributions of the late gospel preacher, Uma Ukpai, to global evangelism and the impact on the Christian community.
He made the remarks during a Service of Songs held in honour of the deceased at Royal House of Grace International Church in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Wednesday.
Fubara, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, said Ukpai lived a life devoted to the service of God and humanity.
He noted that the state government appreciated his immense contributions and sacrifices whose evangelical activities gained global recognition.
He said: “We are here to celebrate the life of God’s general who sacrificed for humanity.
“His crusades were widely known and impactful, touching lives across the world.”
The governor also commiserated with the family of the deceased and the Christian community, describing Ukpai’s life as worthy of celebration.
Pastor Cletus Desmond of Redemption Ministries, in his homily, said the late Ukpai served his generation meritoriously and urged Christians to emulate his exemplary life.
Earlier, the Host and Founder of the Royal House of Grace International church, Zilly Aggrey, described the deceased as a great oracle of God.
Aggrey said the event provided an opportunity for reflection, celebration and thanksgiving for a life dedicated to God’s service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Ukpai, founder of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry, died in 2025 at the age of 80.
The highlights of the event included praise and worship, goodwill messages, and prayers for the bereaved family and Christian community.
