Uyo, Nigeria – October 16, 2025 – In a poignant tribute that has resonated deeply within Nigeria’s Christian circles, Anietie Usen, a longtime associate of the renowned evangelist Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has publicly shared a profound warning the late preacher imparted to him just before his passing. The revelation, posted on Facebook, comes amid a wave of mourning following the confirmation of Ukpai’s death on October 6, 2025, at age 80 – news that was only announced publicly a week later, leaving admirers in collective grief.
Usen, who first crossed paths with Ukpai in 1992 during a transformative encounter at a crusade in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, described their bond as a 33-year journey of spiritual guidance and personal growth. “From that day, my life changed forever,” Usen wrote in his emotional post, recounting how the fiery preacher – known for his unconventional sermons, massive healing crusades, and unyielding faith – became a father figure, mentor, and confidant. Over the decades, Ukpai’s influence extended beyond pulpits to Usen’s daily walk, shaping his worldview through countless private conversations and public ministrations.
The warning itself, delivered in one of their final meetings shortly before Ukpai’s health declined, struck Usen as a divine directive for navigating life’s tempests. According to Usen, the evangelist gripped his hand firmly and cautioned: “Anietie, in these end times, guard your heart against the spirit of compromise. The enemy will whisper that small deviations are harmless, but they erode the foundation of your calling. Stay rooted in unadulterated truth – no mixture, no dilution. Preach the gospel with the boldness of lions, but live it with the purity of lambs.” Usen elaborated that Ukpai emphasized vigilance against subtle moral shifts in ministry and society, urging unwavering fidelity to biblical principles amid rising secular pressures. “He said this with tears in his eyes, as if foreseeing the battles ahead,” Usen added, interpreting it as a prophetic charge not just for him, but for all believers.
The post, which has garnered thousands of shares and comments, has sparked a broader conversation on legacy and spiritual resilience. Many followers echoed sentiments of inspiration, with one user writing, “Papa Ukpai’s words are timeless – a blueprint for us all in these perilous days.” Others shared personal anecdotes of Ukpai’s impact, from miraculous healings at his Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) events to his humanitarian strides, including founding the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and King of Kings Hospital, which continue to serve underserved communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and beyond.
Ukpai’s earthly exit marks the end of an era for Nigerian Pentecostalism. Orphaned young and rising from humble roots in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, he built a global ministry spanning six decades, blending electrical engineering savvy with divine oratory to draw millions to faith. As a founding leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, his crusades were legendary for reported miracles and soul-winning fervor, often laced with humor and raw authenticity that endeared him to generations.
Usen’s revelation arrives as tributes pour in from figures like Apostle Emmanuel Iren and Prophet Joel Ogebe, who hailed Ukpai as a “spiritual general” whose baton now passes to emerging leaders. While some online voices, like Elder Okechukwu, have critiqued aspects of Ukpai’s doctrinal approach – warning against “dead works” – the overwhelming response celebrates his uncompromised zeal.
For Usen, the warning serves as both solace and summons. “Even in glory, his voice echoes,” he concluded. As Nigeria reflects on Ukpai’s void, this intimate disclosure reminds that true mentorship transcends time, urging the faithful to heed the call before whispers of compromise grow too loud.