Lifestyle

Secret of Uma Ukpai’s ministry revealed by his son

Published

7 months ago

October 19, 2025

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.

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Lifestyle

Guinness World Record reacts to BBNaija Queen’s bread-inspired outfit at the 12th AMVCA

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

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Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, may be heading for a global record conversation after Guinness World Records reacted to her viral bread-inspired outfit worn at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Guinness World Records reacted in the comment section saying, “Well, we do have a record for the largest cake dress … hmmm.”

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Reacting to the comment, the reality star wrote, “Hello @guinnessworldrecords, I see you in the comment section”

The development has further amplified conversations around her unconventional AMVCA appearance, which has continued to dominate social media and fashion discussions days after the event.

According to Guinness World Records, the current record for the world’s largest wearable cake dress stands at 131.15kg (289lb 13oz).

The record was achieved by Natasha Coline Kim Fah Lee Fokas of SweetyCakes GmbH in Bern, Switzerland, on January 15, 2023.

Queen’s bread-themed costume had earlier sparked widespread reactions online after she appeared on the AMVCA red carpet dressed in an outfit designed to resemble loaves of bread, complete with a matching prop.

Explaining the inspiration behind the look, Queen said the outfit reflected her entrepreneurial journey in the food business.

“AMVCA 2026 ready. I come as an entrepreneur who runs a bread EMPIRE,” she wrote at the time, referencing her bakery brand.

On Monday, the reality star also proposed the introduction of a special entrepreneurs-focused event at the AMVCA.

In an open letter addressed to MultiChoice Group and Africa Magic, she wrote, “Just a thought, since we already have the AMVCA Cultural Day and other special events before the main award night, would it be possible to create a special night dedicated to entrepreneurs in Nigeria to showcase their brands, creativity, and impact?

“Imagine AMVCA Nigerian Entrepreneurs Night. Massive, classy, and inspiring.”

The bread dress has since attracted international attention, with foreign fashion influencers and media platforms reportedly discussing the concept.

The trend has also inspired several entrepreneurs online, many of whom have used AI-generated designs to recreate brand-themed outfits and AMVCA-inspired fashion concepts.

While some Nigerians criticised the outfit as excessive, others, including PR and branding experts, described it as a strategic marketing move that successfully drew global attention to her business.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Queen’s appearance at the AMVCA generated mixed reactions, with videos from the red carpet showing her adjusting the elaborate outfit while interacting with guests and posing for photographs.

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Lifestyle

Olubadan seeks integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on Wednesday advocated the integration of traditional medicine with orthodox healthcare to improve healthcare delivery and preserve indigenous medical knowledge.

The monarch made the call while receiving executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Olubadan Palace.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the Olubadan said traditional medicine remained effective, accessible and affordable for many Nigerians.

“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine, its accessibility and affordability. So, let me use this period to advocate for the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine for the enhancement of virile healthcare delivery before the exit of the traditional medical practitioners,” the monarch said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State branch of the PSN, Segun Ajanaku, said the delegation visited the palace to congratulate the monarch on his ascension to the throne and to appreciate him for achievements recorded within a short period of his reign.

Ajanaku also informed the monarch about the completion of a pharmacists’ story building in Ibadan, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“We respectfully invite Your Imperial Majesty to the inauguration of the building on May 21, 2026,” he said.

He further sought the monarch’s approval for the association to organise its annual medical outreach at the palace on September 25, 2026.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin, and the Muibi Ademola, among other traditional title holders.

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Lifestyle

HELP SAVE A LIFE — SUPPORT FOR RASAQ SHERIFAT FOLASHADE

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Rasaq Sherifat Folashade has been battling Multiple Sclerosis, paralysis, and stroke complications for over 8 years. The prolonged health challenges have taken a severe emotional, physical, and financial toll on her and her loved ones.

Today, she urgently needs financial support for medical care, treatment, medications, rehabilitation, and daily survival.

In her words:
“Please help me. I don’t want to lose hope or give up on life.”

We kindly appeal to compassionate individuals, organizations, friends, and the general public to come to her aid with any amount possible. No contribution is too small, and every support can make a meaningful difference.

DONATION DETAILS:
Bank: GTBank
Account Number: 0034233857
Account Name: Rasaq Sherifat Folashade

Please share this message widely to help save a life.

May God bless and reward everyone who supports this cause.