Dwight Uma, the third son and fifth child of the late renowned evangelist, Rev. Uma Ukpai, has revealed that his father foresaw his death, describing him as a man of unwavering faith, integrity, and deep devotion to God. In an interview with Biodun Busari, Dwight reflected on his father’s legacy, the sacrifices their family made, and the lessons they learned from his life of service.
Speaking about his upbringing, Dwight described his father as “a man deeply committed to God and integrity,” who raised his children to live by truth and faith. “He taught us never to compromise on integrity and always to give God what belongs to Him,” he said.
Though Uma Ukpai’s ministry often kept him away from home for long periods, Dwight said the evangelist always made time to reconnect with his children. “There were times we wished he was around more, but seeing how God used him inspired us,” he said.
Dwight revealed that he and his siblings actively supported their father’s ministry. “As children, we attended crusades with him. Later, some of us served as personal assistants, media heads, and choir leaders. My father never forced us to serve God full-time — he told us to follow God’s leading,” he explained.
On whether the ministry would remain within the family, Dwight said, “That is for God to decide. Whoever continues the work will do so by divine confirmation, just as God told Joshua, ‘As I was with Moses, so will I be with you.’”
He added that their father’s ministry was rooted in obedience and genuine passion for God. “He wasn’t in ministry for wealth or fame. He simply obeyed God’s voice,” Dwight said.
Reflecting on his father’s final days, he recounted that Uma Ukpai seemed aware of his coming transition. “At our last youth conference in Uyo, he came to encourage us despite being weak. He told one of my siblings, ‘Take care of your mother.’ Two weeks later, he passed away. Years earlier, he had predicted the time of his departure,” Dwight revealed.
He described the late evangelist as fearless and full of faith. “He never expressed fear. Even when warned not to go to dangerous places, he would say, ‘If God sends me, He will protect me,’” Dwight said.
Speaking on Uma Ukpai’s relationships with other church leaders, Dwight said his father maintained strong friendships with prominent ministers including Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Rev. Felix Omobude, and the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. “He was a uniting force in the body of Christ, avoiding division and promoting friendship across denominations,” he added.
Dwight concluded by sharing what he believed would be his father’s message to Nigerians: “My father would urge everyone to return to God in prayer. He always said that people who know how to pray face no impossibilities. He would remind Nigeria that God still rules in the affairs of men.
ADEOLA KUNLE
