Dwight Uma, the third son and fifth child of the late Rev (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, has revealed the secret behind his father’s impactful ministry, describing him as a man wholly consumed by his love for God and devotion to the gospel.
In an interview with The Punch, Dwight reflected on the life and legacy of the revered evangelist, who passed away recently, saying his father’s secret was his unwavering passion for God and obedience to divine instruction.
“My father had a passionate love for God and His work. He wasn’t in the ministry to get rich or famous. Whatever God asked him to do, he obeyed without hesitation,” Dwight said. “His zeal was evident in everything, from preaching to leading songs of worship.”
Dwight also spoke about his father’s cordial relationship with other church leaders across denominations, describing him as a bridge-builder in Nigeria’s Christian community.
He named Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Rev Felix Omobude, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa among his father’s close friends. He added that Pastor Kumuyi was also a friend, though they rarely met in person.
“God called my father to be a uniting force among different denominations. He avoided making enemies and preferred to make friends and build bridges in the faith,” he said.
Dwight revealed that Rev Ukpai also mentored several spiritual leaders, including Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Archbishop Emma Isong, and Rev Ntia I. Ntia, who have continued his legacy of evangelism.
When asked what message the late cleric would have for Nigeria in the current climate, Dwight said his father would remind Nigerians to return to God in prayer and humility.
“He would urge Nigerians to be a praying nation. He always said that people who know how to pray face no impossibilities. Whatever challenges Nigeria faces, God has the answers,” he said.
Reflecting on life as a pastor’s child, Dwight admitted that the family made many sacrifices for the ministry.
“For most of our upbringing, we didn’t always have him around. Sometimes we wanted him at school events, but he was away travelling for crusades. Our lives were intertwined with the ministry,” he recalled.
“It wasn’t always easy, but we understood that God had called him. As we grew older, we embraced that calling and supported him wholeheartedly.”
Dwight also recounted his father’s final days, revealing that the revered evangelist seemed aware that his time was near.
“He tried not to make it obvious that he was leaving us,” Dwight said. “During our last youth conference in Uyo, despite his fatigue, he insisted on coming to encourage us. He wasn’t there to preach—he just wanted to be present.”
He added that Rev Ukpai shared a final, touching instruction with the family before his passing.
“To one of my siblings, he said, ‘Take care of your mother.’ Barely two weeks later, he was gone,” Dwight said softly.
Although the family continues to grieve, Dwight said they take solace in the fulfillment of their father’s divine purpose.
“We wished he could have stayed longer, but we know he belonged to God first. Even years ago, he had predicted he would leave at a certain time. God’s wisdom is greater than ours,” he concluded.
Rev Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost preachers and crusade revivalists, whose ministry spanned continents and touched millions.
A timeless coming-of-age novel that explores character formation, humility, and the transformative power of discipline in postcolonial Nigeria.
Published in 1973, The Potter’s Wheel by Chukwuemeka Ike remains one of the most celebrated Nigerian novels of the 20th century. Set in Eastern Nigeria, the novel captures the cultural values of discipline, humility, and moral upbringing in a society adjusting to modern life after colonialism.
Chukwuemeka Ike, a distinguished Nigerian author and educationist, was known for blending humour and realism to examine the social and moral challenges of postcolonial Nigeria. In The Potter’s Wheel, he uses a simple yet powerful story to reflect on how society shapes individuals — much like a potter moulds clay into form.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Obuechina Maduabuchi, fondly called Obu, a pampered and mischievous young boy from Umuaro village. As the only son of wealthy parents, Obu grows up indulged and undisciplined. His father, unwilling to watch his son become wayward, decides to send him to live with Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo, the strict village schoolmaster and his wife, so that he can learn discipline, hard work, and respect.
At the Okonkwos’, Obu’s life takes a dramatic turn. Gone are the days of comfort and pampering; instead, he faces chores, stern correction, and strict routines. The Okonkwos, acting as moral potters, begin to mould the once-spoiled boy into a responsible young man.
Through several trials — from cleaning, running errands, and attending school to facing punishments for his stubbornness — Obu gradually learns humility, patience, and self-control. By the end of the story, the young boy who once resisted correction becomes a model of discipline and maturity, proving that moral transformation is possible with firm guidance.
Themes and Symbolism
1. Discipline and Moral Upbringing
At its core, The Potter’s Wheel is a moral tale about discipline. It highlights the African belief that character formation is a communal responsibility — that “it takes a village to raise a child.” The Okonkwos’ home becomes a moral training ground where Obu learns that freedom without restraint leads to self-destruction.
2. The Role of Education
Ike, himself an educationist, presents education not merely as formal schooling but as character development. Mr. Okonkwo’s firm yet purposeful methods reflect the role of teachers in shaping both intellect and morality.
3. Transformation and Growth
The metaphor of the potter’s wheel symbolises the process of transformation. Just as a potter moulds clay through pressure and patience, so too must humans be shaped by experience, discipline, and correction. Obu’s journey represents the broader human struggle to overcome flaws and embrace maturity.
4. Authority and Obedience
The novel also explores authority and the tension between individual will and societal expectations. Obu’s resistance to authority mirrors the youthful rebellion common in changing societies. However, his eventual submission signifies a reconciliation between self and structure — between freedom and responsibility.
Characterisation
Obuechina (Obu): The protagonist whose journey from a spoiled child to a disciplined youth embodies the book’s moral lesson. His transformation is gradual and believable, showing Ike’s deep understanding of human behaviour.
Mr. Okonkwo: The stern yet fair schoolmaster who symbolises moral authority. His character represents the older generation’s commitment to discipline and integrity.
Mrs. Okonkwo: A balance to her husband’s firmness, she shows compassion and maternal care, ensuring Obu’s training does not break his spirit.
Obu’s Parents: Loving but overindulgent, they represent the dangers of unbalanced parenting and the consequences of excessive pampering.
Style and Language
Chukwuemeka Ike’s storytelling combines wit, humour, and realism. His use of simple English, interspersed with proverbs and local expressions, gives the novel an authentic Nigerian flavour. The narrative tone is didactic but engaging, making the story accessible to both young and adult readers.
The novel also reflects the transitional era of 1970s Nigeria — a time when traditional values were being tested by modern influences. Ike’s balanced portrayal of tradition and modernity gives the story enduring relevance.
Cultural and Educational Significance
The Potter’s Wheel has long been a staple in Nigerian secondary schools, not only for its literary value but also for its moral lessons. It reflects core African philosophies about communal upbringing, respect for elders, and the importance of moral discipline.
Through Obu’s transformation, readers are reminded that character is not inherited but nurtured — a lesson deeply rooted in African cultural ethics. The book’s title and metaphor beautifully encapsulate this idea: humans are clay, and life is the potter’s wheel on which they are shaped.
About the Author: Chukwuemeka Ike
Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike (1931–2020) was born in Anambra State, Nigeria. He studied at the University of Ibadan and later served as an educationist, university administrator, and traditional ruler. Ike’s literary works often explore themes of education, morality, and social reform.
Some of his notable novels include Toads for Supper, Sunset at Dawn, Expo ’77, and Our Children Are Coming. His works remain influential in both academic and cultural discussions of Nigerian literature.
The Potter’s Wheel is more than just a story of a mischievous boy — it is a timeless reflection on human growth, discipline, and the communal values that shape moral character. Through Chukwuemeka Ike’s engaging prose, readers are reminded that true maturity comes from patience, humility, and correction.
Like clay in a potter’s hand, we are all being moulded by life’s experiences — shaped, refined, and made stronger with every turn of the wheel.
References:
Ike, Chukwuemeka. The Potter’s Wheel. London: Heinemann Educational Books, 1973.
Emenyonu, Ernest N. The Rise of the Igbo Novel. Ibadan University Press, 1978.
Guardian Nigeria, “Remembering Chukwuemeka Ike, the Educationist Novelist” (2020).
President Bola Tinubu has nominated Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This was contained in a letter transmitted to the Senate for confirmation, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Doro’s nomination follows the election of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as the All Progressives Congress National Chairman in July.
PUNCH Online compiles information about the ministerial nominee.
Political background
Bernard Doro is a community leader involved in politics in Nigeria and the UK, where he has lived for a long time.
He serves as the financial secretary of the APC UK chapter. He was appointed in June 2024.
Doro is part of the committee that organised the Nigerian Diaspora Investment & Cultural Summit 2024, which took place in Birmingham from December 4 to 7, 2024
There are rumours that he seeks the Plateau North Senatorial District seat in 2027, but he has not formally declared his intention.
Educational and professional background
Doro holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA focusing on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice.
He is an independent prescriber and an advanced clinical practitioner, with frontline roles across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices and hospitals.
Beyond clinical duties, he has led youth mentorship and social-impact initiatives in the diaspora and at home, focusing on skills development and community empowerment.
He holds membership in local and international professional bodies, including a fellowship in the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria and membership in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Humanitarian
Beyond politics and professional life, Doro has also led youth mentorship and social impact initiatives in the diaspora and local communities.
He founded Doro Vision Farmers’ Seed Fund, an initiative aimed to empower Plateau North, Plateau State farmers by providing financial support to enhance their cultivation efforts.
He was honoured with the Award of Excellence and Humanitarian Service by the Asiwaju Nationwide Organisation on 11th October 2025.
Origin
Doro was born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”
In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.
“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.
“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.
The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.
“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.
“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged
Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”
He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”
“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.
“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,”he alleged.
His post came hours after PUNCH Online reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.
In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”
Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.
“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.
The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.
Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.
The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.
