By Ayo Ayodele
Popular gospel singer Frank Edwards has paid an emotional tribute to the late Nigerian evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, recalling how he received divine healing through the preacher’s ministry as a child.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram on Monday, Edwards revealed that he was miraculously healed of asthma and pneumonia at the age of eight during one of Ukpai’s crusades in Enugu.
> “At age 8, I got healed of asthma and pneumonia in one of your crusades in Enugu! Thank you for specially impacting the world. You finished well, papa. Rest on,” he wrote.
The award-winning artist, who has often spoken about his childhood battle with chronic respiratory illness, said the encounter marked a turning point in his life and faith, freeing him from years of dependence on inhalers.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. His family described his death as a “glorious transition,” noting that he devoted over six decades to evangelism, teaching, and humanitarian service.
Based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Ukpai was renowned for his large-scale crusades, faith healing ministry, and tireless efforts to strengthen Christian faith across Nigeria and beyond.
Details of his funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.