The news of the passing of renowned Nigerian evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association UUEA on October 6 2025 at the age of 80 has been met with a wave of national mourning His family confirmed the death describing it as a “glorious transition” for a “faithful soldier of the cross” who dedicated over six decades to evangelism While government officials including President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the Christian community such as the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN have offered effusive tributes the conversation on social media has proven far more complex exposing the often-divisive nature of mega-ministry legacies .
The Outpouring of Official Tributes
Dr Uma Ukpai was a towering figure in the Nigerian Pentecostal movement known for his fiery crusades and dramatic healing testimonies that drew hundreds of thousands across Africa His influence extended far beyond the pulpit encompassing significant humanitarian work including the establishment of hospitals schools and charities .
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In an official statement President Bola Tinubu mourned the cleric describing him as “one of Gods generals” and an “anointed crusader of the faith” Governors and church leaders uniformly praised his commitment to national unity righteousness and the transformation of lives These tributes celebrate an undeniable legacy of faith service and spiritual mentoring that helped shape the modern Christian landscape in Nigeria For his followers his life exemplified resilience particularly after enduring the personal tragedy of losing two of his children in a single day .
Social Media The Double-Edged Sword of Legacy
Despite the formal accolades the news of Rev Ukpais passing rapidly fueled a contrasting discussion online The most potent headline-grabbing reaction came from an anonymous individual on social media summarized by the quote “I find it hard to celebrate him” .
This blunt sentiment represents a small but vocal section of the public who approach the legacies of powerful religious leaders with skepticism While the quote itself is devoid of specific context—its unclear whether the difficulty in celebrating stems from theological disagreement accusations of impropriety or general weariness with the perceived opulence of modern ministry—it forced the public conversation away from simple celebration .
In a digital age where accountability is fiercely demanded public figures especially religious ones are subjected to relentless scrutiny The “I find it hard to celebrate him” narrative taps into broader societal questions concerning wealth accumulation by faith leaders the validation of miracles and the political influence wielded by mega-churches This critical response often manifests as a reflection of societal frustration rather than a direct personal attack on the deceased .
Navigating the Complexities of a ‘Spiritual General’
The contrast between the official reverence and the unvarnished public critique highlights the complex dual role prominent evangelists play in developing nations like Nigeria .
On one hand Rev Uma Ukpai was a genuine spiritual force His crusades offered hope and relief to millions facing poverty and sickness establishing a powerful connection between faith and community upliftment His non-denominational ministry bridged gaps and mentored countless younger ministers leaving behind educational and medical institutions that serve the public .
On the other hand figures of his stature inevitably draw criticism over financial transparency and doctrinal positions When a public figure regardless of profession dies their passing becomes an intersection for mourning celebration and critical reflection on their public life The challenge for the public is to reconcile the profound positive impact acknowledged by his followers with the systemic issues critics associate with the Pentecostal movement as a whole .
The true legacy of Rev Dr Uma Ukpai will likely be found in the synthesis of these two viewpoints His ministry’s enduring success is a testament to the power of faith to mobilize people while the candid dissenting voices on social media underscore the public’s rising expectation for integrity and accountability from all leaders The debate sparked by the “hard to celebrate him” remark is not just about the man but about the ongoing national dialogue concerning spirituality leadership and public trust .
The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association has promised to release details of the obsequies funeral rites in due course allowing followers to formally bid farewell As the family prepares for the final rites the online conversation continues to explore the multifaceted impact of a man who defined an era of religious revival in Nigeria and beyond .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning the passing of Rev Dr Uma Ukpai and the resulting public commentary on social media Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and the familys official channels for funeral and biographical details .