•Late Evangelist Uma Ukpai and Gospel singer Frank Edwards
Popular gospel artiste, Frank Edwards, has paid tribute to the late Nigerian evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, recalling how he miraculously received healing through the preacher’s ministry as a child.
In an emotional post shared on Instagram today, Edward revealed that he was healed of asthma and pneumonia at the age of eight during one of Ukpai’s crusades in Enugu.
“At age 8, I got healed of asthma and pneumonia in one of your crusades in Enugu!
“Thank you for specially impacting the world! You finished well, papa. Rest on,” Edwards wrote.
The award-winning singer, who has often shared his testimony of overcoming chronic respiratory illness, described the encounter as a defining moment that freed him from years of dependence on inhalers and shaped his musical journey.
Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, was confirmed dead by his family today.
He passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The family described his passing as a “glorious transition,” noting that he dedicated over six decades of his life to evangelism, teaching, and humanitarian service.
Based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Ukpai was widely known for his large-scale crusades, emphasis on faith healing, and efforts to strengthen the Christian faith across Nigeria and beyond.
Details of his funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.
