Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called on Christian ministers across the country to emulate the evangelical style and commitment of the late international preacher, Rev. (Dr) Uma Ukpai, who was renowned for taking the Gospel beyond city centres to rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Governor Diri made the appeal on Friday during a condolence visit to the family of the late cleric in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He described Rev. Ukpai as a distinguished servant of God who dedicated his life to spreading the Christian faith in remote villages and underserved communities across Nigeria.
The governor noted that the late evangelist’s ministry stood out because he refused to limit his outreach to major urban centres, stressing that his passion for rural evangelism left a lasting spiritual impact on many communities, including several in Bayelsa State.
“Our late Papa Ukpai impacted so many lives through his evangelism and messages. He was a man who went into the interior and villages of our state to preach. He did not confine his preaching to only state capitals,” Diri said.
He added that while ministering in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt and Benin City remained important due to their large populations, there was still significant work to be done in rural areas, particularly in places witnessing a resurgence of traditional idol worship.
“If men of God can emulate our Papa, I am sure Christianity will be more deeply rooted, not only in the cities but also in the interior and villages of our states. Many more lives will be won to Christ,” he stated.
Describing the late cleric’s passing as the completion of a divine assignment, the governor said Rev. Ukpai “finished his course on earth” and was called home by God. He assured the family that the Bayelsa State Government would make itself available for the funeral once the final arrangements were concluded.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Bayelsa State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and family members,” Diri said, adding that the funeral would be a celebration of a life well spent in service to God and humanity.
Responding, the widow of the late evangelist, Pastor (Dr) Philomina Ukpai, expressed appreciation to the governor and his delegation for the visit, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between her husband and the Bayelsa State Government.
She thanked Governor Diri for his support and care since her husband’s passing, noting that Rev. Ukpai had a special attachment to Bayelsa State, which once honoured him with a symbolic golden key he cherished deeply.
Pastor Ukpai stated that she believed her husband did not die but was called home by God at the appointed time. She recalled a dream he had at the age of 50, in which he saw heaven and desired to enter but was told to return to earth as he still had 30 more years to fulfil his mission.
Married for 50 years, she also reminisced about their humble beginnings, when her husband owned only a motorcycle and she rode a bicycle, attributing their journey and accomplishments over the decades to God’s faithfulness.
Rev. (Dr) Uma Ukpai passed on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. He will be laid to rest on March 26, 2026.
Members of the governor’s delegation included his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife; the Presiding Overseer of Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David-Aggrey; the Governor’s Honorary Adviser on Religion, Rev. Dortimi Amatare; Special Adviser on Religion, Rev. Godspower Asingba; Special Adviser on SMEs, Dr. Jonathan Obuebite, and his wife, Dr. (Engr) Ann Obuebite; as well as the Chaplain of King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.
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