REV. DR. UMA UKPAI IMMORTALISED BY HIS COMMUNITY, ASAGA OHAFIA
Asaga Ohafia, Abia State — In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the community, the Asaga Ohafia Development Union, ADU, has immortalised their son and spiritual father, the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, by erecting a statue in his honour.
Ukpai, who was buried on March 26, 2026, was honoured with the statue at Onuogo Eziukwu Village Square, the same spot where he began the Asaga Solemn Assembly.
Comrade Stanley Mba, National Publicity Secretary of the union, disclosed this on Saturday, April 11, while speaking on the significance of the statue, which recently went viral on social media.
Mba said the ADU, led by Chief Okpa Ibekwem Okpa, found “enormous reasons” to immortalise the renowned evangelist, whom he described as “God’s General,” citing his contributions to the development of Asaga Ukwu, his evangelism, and his philanthropy.
According to Mba, the statue was sculpted by Chief Sculptor Chikezie Ukaha, 1st Vice President of ADU and President of the Ohafia Improvement Union, Umuahia Branch. He said it was the best way to remind the world that Rev. Ukpai was a son of Asaga Ohafia and remains loved by his people.
“As the Bible rightly says, there is a time to be born and a time to die. Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was born into the Asaga Ohafia community in 1945,” Mba said.
He described Ukpai as more than a spiritual leader. “He was a beacon of hope, a philanthropist, and a champion of humanity. As Asaga’s spiritual father, he touched countless lives, inspiring generations to strive for greatness.”
Mba noted that for decades Ukpai organised free medical outreaches in the community, “healing bodies and souls.” He added, “He went from village to village, town to town, providing medical care, prayer, and hope to those in need. His compassion knew no bounds.”
Ukpai also sponsored football competitions to keep youths away from crime and to discover hidden talents, Mba said. He founded the Asaga Solemn Assembly, held every January 1 to pray for the community, heal the sick, and deliver the oppressed. Mba credited the initiative with helping to shape the spiritual, physical, and financial growth of the people.
“Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s vision for a better Asaga and Ohafia at large drove him to invest in institutions that uplifted the people,” Mba said, pointing to a hospital and a polytechnic established through Ukpai’s efforts.
“Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s life was a testament to his faith, his community, and his passion for humanity,” Mba said. “He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate us.”
Mba added that the union would sustain Ukpai’s mission. “The impact made by the revered preacher will be felt for generations. We take comfort in the knowledge that his work lives on through us, and we vow to continue it.”