My Father Predicted His Death — Uma Ukpai’s Son Opens Up On Late Evangelist’s Final Days

Dwight Uma, the third son and fifth child of the late global evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has revealed that his father had long foretold the timing of his death, saying the revered preacher had “prepared for his departure” years before it happened.

In an emotional interview, Dwight said the family saw “subtle signs” pointing to his father’s transition, adding that Rev. Ukpai himself had spoken about it.

“There were subtle signs, and years back, my father himself had predicted he would leave at a certain time,” Dwight stated. “We didn’t want him to go, but we understood that God owns every life, and he was first God’s servant before he was our father.”

Dwight recalled their last moments together during a youth conference in Uyo, where the late evangelist gave a final message to the family.

“He said to one of my siblings, ‘Take care of your mother.’ Barely two weeks later, he passed on,” he said.

Describing his father as “a man of integrity and unshakable faith,” Dwight said Rev. Ukpai was fearless and totally devoted to God’s calling.

“Fear and my father were never used in the same sentence. Even when warned not to go to certain villages for crusades, he never hesitated. He trusted that God would guide him,” he added.

Dwight noted that though their father’s ministry often kept him away from home, he made deliberate efforts to connect with his children whenever he returned.

“There were times we wished he was around more, but seeing how God used him, we understood his calling. He taught us integrity, humility, and total dependence on God,” he said.

On whether the ministry mantle would remain in the family, Dwight said that decision rests solely with God.

“Whoever will continue the work will be chosen by God. Our focus now is on celebrating his life and fulfilling what is necessary during this period of mourning,” he explained.

He described his late father as a bridge-builder among Christian leaders, maintaining strong bonds with notable figures such as Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Rev. Felix Omobude, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa.

Dwight said his father’s parting message to Nigerians would be to remain prayerful and faithful.

“He always said, ‘People who know how to pray face no impossibilities.’ He would remind Nigerians to put God first and seek Him for guidance,” Dwight added.

As tributes continue to pour in, many describe Rev. Uma Ukpai as a man who lived and died in total submission to God’s will — a preacher who not only foresaw his homegoing but embraced it with peace and faith.