The official recognition of the monumental loss of global evangelist, Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai, gained significant momentum as the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, led a high-powered delegation on a condolence visit to the family’s residence in Uyo.

The visit, which took place following a State Executive Council meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025, signifies the deep resonance of Dr. Ukpai’s ministry across the State and beyond, even as he transitioned to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

Governor Umo Eno, who is also a Pastor, conveyed the state’s solidarity with the bereaved family. He paid a glowing tribute to the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), emphasizing his enduring spiritual and developmental impact.

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In a powerful statement, Governor Eno declared: “We stand with the Uma Ukpai family in this difficult time, praying that God will comfort and strengthen them. His ministry may have ended on earth, but his impact will continue to shine across Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, and the world.”

The Governor’s visit and commitment to stand with the family address calls from the public, as seen in social media comments, urging the state government to honor the ‘Hero of Faith’ with a “befitting burial” to “provoke the blessings of God and another giant of faith will spring forth.”

Mantle of Leadership: The Unanswered Question

Amidst the government’s formal tribute and the continuous stream of global condolences, the most pressing question for the Christian community remains: Who will take over the vast ministry he built?

Dr. Uma Ukpai’s legacy includes:
* Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA): A global, non-denominational ministry.

• Uma Ukpai College of Theology and Management Studies: For raising Christian leaders.

• Uma Ukpai Eye Centre: Providing free medical care to the needy.

The question of succession—the transfer of the “mantle”—is repeatedly referenced by followers online, with comments such as: “How I wish he gave me part of his mantle before leaving,” and “The question is: Who will take up the mantle to continue from where he stopped?”

As of now, no official successor has been named by the family or the UUEA board. The immediate focus remains on funeral arrangements, the details of which are expected to be announced by the family in due course.

The choice of the next leader will be crucial for the continued work of the UUEA, a ministry known for its foundational role in the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria and its dedication to mass evangelism and humanitarian outreach. The world watches to see which shoulders the spiritual ‘Field Marshal’s’ mantle will fall on.