Rev Uma Ukpai Biography: Age, Death, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Wiki

Rev Uma Ukpai biography reveals the life of Nigeria’s legendary evangelist, founder of UUEA ministry, age 80, wife Philomena, nine children, crusades, and lasting legacy.

Who Is Rev Uma Ukpai?

Rev Uma Ukpai biography tells the inspiring story of one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian evangelists and spiritual leaders who dedicated over six decades to spreading the gospel across the world. Born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria, Uma Ukpai rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in African Christianity. He founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational Christian ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in 1985.

Rev Uma Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, healing crusades, and humanitarian service. His ministry was characterized by massive gospel campaigns, miraculous healings, and a unique ability to unite Christians across denominational lines. Through the UUEA, he organized large-scale gospel crusades that drew massive crowds and became known for miracles, healing, and soul-winning.

What made Rev Uma Ukpai exceptional was not just his fiery preaching style but his genuine compassion for the poor and suffering. Having lost his father at age 10, he understood hardship firsthand and often remarked, “I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I learnt early enough to know that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone”. This profound early experience shaped his ministry’s focus on helping the underprivileged through medical outreaches, scholarships, and educational institutions.

Beyond the pulpit, Rev Ukpai was a humanitarian, educator, and bridge-builder who founded hospitals, polytechnics, theological schools, and scholarship programs. His influence extended across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, making him one of the most recognized faces of African Pentecostalism. His teachings emphasized faith, spiritual warfare, breaking curses, and practical Christian living, resonating with millions who sought spiritual transformation and deliverance.

Quick Facts About Rev Uma Ukpai

Early Life and Childhood: Humble Beginnings

Uma Ukpai was born into an Igbo family in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. His early years were marked by significant challenges that would later shape his compassionate approach to ministry and humanitarian work. Growing up in southeastern Nigeria during the pre-independence and early independence era exposed young Uma to both traditional African values and the emerging Christian movements of his time.

Tragedy Strikes: Losing His Father at Age 10

The most defining moment of Rev Ukpai’s childhood came when he lost his father at the tender age of 10. This traumatic experience forced him into early adulthood and responsibility, requiring him to take on the role of provider and protector for his family at an age when most children are still carefree. He often reflected on this period, saying, “I know what it is to save money to pay school fees. So, I have feelings for the poor”.

This early loss cultivated a deep empathy for suffering people, particularly orphans, widows, and the economically disadvantaged. Throughout his ministry, Rev Ukpai consistently demonstrated concern for those facing hardship, establishing scholarship programs and charity initiatives that reflected his own childhood struggles. The poverty and responsibility he experienced as a child became the foundation for his later humanitarian efforts.

Finding Faith: The 1958 Conversion

Uma Ukpai converted to Christianity in 1958 at the age of 13, a decision that transformed not only his personal life but would eventually impact millions across the globe. This conversion experience was profound and genuine, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey that would span more than six decades. At a time when traditional African religions still held significant sway in many communities, young Uma’s embrace of Christianity was both bold and life-changing.

Even as a teenager, he demonstrated unusual spiritual gifts and a passion for ministry. At just 10 years old, he was already involved in the deliverance ministry, showing early signs of the powerful ministry that would later characterize his life. Stories from his school days reveal a young man confident in his calling and unafraid to declare his destiny as a preacher, even when other boys aspired to more conventional professions.

Education and Academic Qualifications

Primary and Secondary Education

Ukpai attended Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School in Asaga, and Khana County Council School in Ogoni. These foundational years provided him with basic literacy and numeracy skills, though his family’s financial constraints made education a constant struggle. Paying school fees required sacrifice and determination, experiences that would later inform his establishment of scholarship programs for underprivileged students.

He passed through All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and Niger Delta Technical School, now Boys Technical College, Aba. His secondary education introduced him to technical subjects and provided a broader worldview that would prove valuable in his later ministry administration and institutional development. The discipline and technical knowledge acquired during this period equipped him with practical skills alongside his spiritual calling.

International Training and Higher Education

Rev Ukpai’s thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education both in Nigeria and abroad. He graduated from the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, United Kingdom; South Florida Christian College Miami, Florida, USA; Carolina Christian University and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA. This international exposure broadened his perspective and equipped him with diverse skills that enhanced his evangelistic work.

He held a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, a Bachelor and Doctorate Degrees in Divinity. This unusual combination of technical, communication, and theological training made him uniquely qualified to reach diverse audiences. His engineering background gave him analytical thinking skills, his journalism training enhanced his communication abilities, and his divinity degrees provided deep theological foundations for his ministry.

His decision to study electrical engineering initially suggested a different career path, but God had other plans. The technical skills he acquired proved invaluable in establishing ministry infrastructure, while his journalism training enabled him to effectively utilize media, including television ministry, to spread the gospel. His advanced theological education equipped him to teach with authority and depth, distinguishing him from many self-taught evangelists of his generation.

Marriage and Family Life: Partnership in Ministry

Meeting His Wife Philomena

Ukpai was married to Philomena, a pastor, who became not just his life partner but also his ministry partner for 48 years. Pastor Philomena Ukpai revealed they were married for 48 years, stating, “preaching was his life, if he wasn’t preaching, he wasn’t happy”. Their relationship exemplified partnership in both marriage and ministry, with Philomena serving as Group Executive Officer of Uma Ukpai Inc. and Executive Director of Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Joseph Business School.

According to Philomena’s testimony, she initially had reservations about marrying Uma because he was known as a very troublesome young man in the village. However, the same zeal and passion he displayed in his youth was redirected entirely toward serving God after his conversion. She observed that it’s only twice in 48 years that he missed a meeting he was invited to, demonstrating his extraordinary commitment to ministry.

Their Nine Children

Their marriage produced eight children and one adopted child, creating a large family that supported and participated in ministry activities. Rev Ukpai’s decision to adopt a child reflected his compassionate nature and his belief in providing opportunities for children who lacked parental support, mirroring his own childhood experience of losing his father.

The Ukpai children grew up in a ministry environment, witnessing their father’s dedication to evangelism and their mother’s supportive role. They saw firsthand the demands of ministry life, including their father’s extensive travels, long crusades, and the constant stream of people seeking spiritual help. This upbringing undoubtedly shaped their understanding of faith, service, and commitment.

Tragedy: Losing Two Children

One of the most painful chapters in Rev Ukpai’s life was when he lost two of his children in a car collision on the same day. Two children and two cousins drowned when their car fell off a bridge while they were traveling. This devastating tragedy tested his faith in ways few can imagine.

According to his testimony, God had revealed to him that the devil attempted to harm his wife, and although she almost drowned, she was miraculously saved. On the same day this tragedy unfolded, his printing press was robbed, and another bus carrying ministry members to the burial was involved in an accident, though no one died in that second incident. Rev Ukpai described it as “a day of tragedy.”

Despite this unimaginable loss, Rev Ukpai’s faith remained unshaken. He continued his ministry with the same passion and commitment, demonstrating remarkable spiritual strength and resilience. His ability to minister effectively even after such personal loss became a testimony of God’s sustaining grace and became part of his powerful witness to others facing grief and tragedy.

Ministry Journey: Six Decades of Evangelism

Founding Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA)

Rev Uma Ukpai’s ministry journey began in the 1970s when he founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational Christian organization focused on spreading the gospel through massive outreach programs, healing campaigns, and leadership training. Starting from humble beginnings in his parlor at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, with just a few members, the ministry grew exponentially to become one of Nigeria’s most influential evangelistic movements.

The UUEA was established with a clear vision: to bring the message of salvation, healing, and deliverance to people regardless of their denominational background. This non-denominational approach was revolutionary at a time when many Nigerian churches operated strictly within denominational boundaries. Rev Ukpai’s ministry bridged these divides, creating a platform where Christians from different backgrounds could unite in worship and evangelism.

The ministry headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, became a hub of spiritual activity, training center for evangelists, and launching pad for crusades across Nigeria and beyond. The UUEA developed into a multifaceted organization encompassing not just evangelism but also educational institutions, medical facilities, and humanitarian programs, reflecting Rev Ukpai’s holistic approach to ministry.

The Birth of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)

One of Rev Ukpai’s most significant contributions to Nigerian Christianity was his role in establishing the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. His Greater Lagos For Christ Crusade of 1985 gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which involved 5,000 choristers and 7,110 counselors. This massive crusade brought together Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians from various denominations, creating unprecedented unity among believers.

He was a founding leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the umbrella body uniting Pentecostal and Charismatic churches across the nation. His efforts helped shape the Pentecostal revival of the 1970s and 1980s, bringing together believers under one spiritual vision. The PFN became one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian organizations, coordinating the activities of thousands of churches and providing a unified voice for Pentecostal Christians in national affairs.

Rev Ukpai served in various leadership capacities within PFN, including as National Vice President and Chairman of the Think-Tank Committee. His diplomatic skills and spiritual authority made him an effective bridge-builder, able to mediate conflicts and foster cooperation among diverse Christian leaders with strong personalities and different theological emphases.

Major Crusades and Gospel Campaigns

Rev Ukpai’s ministry was characterized by large-scale evangelistic crusades that drew tens of thousands of participants. He held many citywide crusades all over Nigeria, including a yearly Greater Ohafia For Christ Crusade, and in collaboration with Dr Celestine Iwendi, held the Anioma One-million Man Crusade in 2016, where many miracles, healings, and deliverances took place.

His crusade portfolio included landmark events such as the Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985. These were not merely religious gatherings but city-transforming events that impacted entire communities. Each crusade was meticulously planned, involving extensive preparation, publicity, and mobilization of thousands of volunteers.

The crusades were renowned for reports of miraculous healings, deliverance from demonic oppression, and mass conversions. His crusades were known for passionate preaching and reports of miraculous healings that drew even skeptics to listen. Testimonies of blind people receiving sight, lame people walking, and people delivered from various afflictions became hallmarks of his ministry.

Beyond Nigeria, Rev Ukpai conducted crusades across Africa and in Europe and the Americas, making him a truly international evangelist. His global ministry brought African Pentecostalism to international audiences and established connections with other prominent evangelists worldwide.

International Ministry and Collaborations

Rev Ukpai’s influence extended far beyond Nigeria’s borders. He was a speaker at Amsterdam ’93 and the first African main speaker at the World Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) World Convention ’96 in Miami, USA. These platforms provided opportunities to minister to international audiences and established him as a global voice for African Christianity.

He was a co-author with Billy Graham and other great men of God on “The Work of An Evangelist”, demonstrating his recognition among the world’s leading evangelists. His ministry collaborated with international figures and organizations, participating in global evangelistic initiatives including Bible smuggling operations into closed countries like China.

His international engagements introduced him to diverse ministry models and best practices, which he adapted for the Nigerian context. These global connections also enabled him to mobilize international support for his humanitarian projects in Nigeria, bringing resources to address poverty, education, and healthcare needs in his home country.

Ministry Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Humanitarian Works and Social Impact

Medical Outreaches and Healthcare Facilities

For more than 30 years, the ministry ran medical outreach while doing the work of God. These medical missions integrated healthcare with evangelism, providing free medical services to underserved communities across Nigeria. Medical teams would set up in remote villages, offering consultations, medications, and minor surgical procedures alongside gospel preaching.

He founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre and the King of Kings Hospital in Abia State—both offering free and subsidized medical care. The King of Kings Hospital is a specialist hospital that services communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. These permanent healthcare facilities provided sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges, serving thousands of patients annually regardless of their ability to pay.

The Uma Ukpai Eye Centre specifically addressed the widespread problem of preventable blindness in rural Nigeria. Thousands of people received free cataract surgeries and eye treatments, restoring their sight and productivity. This focus on eye care reflected Rev Ukpai’s understanding that physical healing often opened doors for spiritual transformation.

Educational Institutions and Scholarship Programs

Rev Ukpai’s commitment to education stemmed from his own struggles to pay school fees as a child. He established the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, and the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, which supported students from diverse backgrounds. These institutions provided quality education to thousands of students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Uma Ukpai Polytechnic focused on technical and vocational training, equipping young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. This aligned with his own background in electrical engineering and his belief in the dignity of technical work. The School of Theology trained pastors and Christian workers, ensuring the continuity of sound biblical teaching and effective ministry practice.

Through the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, he sponsored countless students, particularly orphans and the underprivileged. These scholarships covered school fees, books, and sometimes accommodation, enabling brilliant but poor students to complete their education. Many of these beneficiaries went on to become successful professionals and community leaders, multiplying the impact of his generosity.

Business Empowerment and Economic Initiatives

Beyond traditional charity, Rev Ukpai pioneered business empowerment programs designed to create sustainable economic opportunities. In 2023, his ministry empowered 11 young female fashion designers, awarded the overall winner of the Uma Ukpai Fashion Week, and trained 125 participants in various business initiatives. These programs reflected his understanding that lasting transformation requires economic empowerment alongside spiritual and educational development.

The “Blessings of Abraham” program encouraged Christians to embrace biblical principles of prosperity through obedience and faith. Rather than promoting a prosperity gospel focused on material accumulation, this program emphasized stewardship, integrity in business, and generosity toward others as pathways to divine blessing and economic advancement.

Teaching and Theological Contributions

Core Messages and Themes

Rev Uma Ukpai’s teaching ministry centered on several key themes that resonated with millions of believers. He spoke extensively on issues of salvation, faith, healing, breaking of curses and covenants, and spiritual leadership. His approach combined deep biblical knowledge with practical application, making complex spiritual truths accessible to ordinary believers.

His emphasis on breaking curses addressed a felt need among many African Christians who struggled with ancestral issues and traditional religious practices before conversion. His teaching provided biblical frameworks for understanding spiritual warfare and deliverance, empowering believers to overcome spiritual obstacles to their progress. This teaching was particularly relevant in the African context where many converts came from traditional religious backgrounds.

His messages on faith were characterized by boldness and confidence in God’s power. He taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit endowed believers with power to do the impossible, to change lives, and to perform miracles. He emphasized that receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit means you can do the impossible, that God has endowed you with power to change the future of people, their lives, and their health.

Published Works and Media Ministry

Rev Dr Uma Ukpai authored over fourteen books that documented his teachings and provided resources for Christians seeking spiritual growth. These books covered various topics including faith, deliverance, spiritual warfare, marriage, and practical Christian living. His writing style was accessible and practical, making his books popular among both educated and less-educated readers.

He conducted television ministry for many years, utilizing broadcast media to extend his reach beyond physical crusades. His television programs brought his teaching into homes across Nigeria and beyond, enabling people who could never attend his crusades to benefit from his ministry. This use of media demonstrated his progressive approach to evangelism and his willingness to embrace technology for gospel advancement.

His messages were recorded and distributed widely through various media formats, ensuring his teaching continues to impact lives even after his passing. These recordings remain valuable resources for believers seeking biblical teaching on faith, deliverance, and spiritual growth.

Leadership and Mentorship

Many prominent Nigerian preachers trace their spiritual inspiration and early mentorship to his ministry. Rev Ukpai invested significantly in raising the next generation of Christian leaders, providing platforms for young ministers to develop their gifts and supporting their ministries financially and spiritually.

He served as president of the Nigerian Council of Gospel Ministers (COGMON) and National Chairman of Think-Tank Committee of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and later as National Vice President of PFN. These leadership roles positioned him to influence ministerial training standards, ethical practices, and the strategic direction of Nigerian Pentecostalism.

His mentorship extended beyond formal structures to include personal relationships with pastors who sought his counsel on ministry challenges, church conflicts, and personal issues. His wisdom, born of decades of ministry experience and spiritual maturity, made him a valued advisor to Christian leaders across generations and denominations.

Legacy, Impact, and Influence

Transforming Nigerian Christianity

Rev Uma Ukpai’s impact on Nigerian Christianity cannot be overstated. He was one of the few religious leaders who consistently emphasized peace and inter-ethnic harmony during Nigeria’s difficult political transitions. He often urged political leaders to embrace humility and servant leadership. His ministry transcended tribal and regional boundaries, creating a truly national Christian movement.

His role in establishing PFN created institutional structures that continue to coordinate Pentecostal activities and provide collective leadership for millions of believers. This organizational achievement gave Pentecostal Christians a unified voice in national affairs and enabled coordinated responses to social and political challenges facing the nation.

His emphasis on holiness, integrity, and practical Christian living challenged the moral compromises prevalent in Nigerian society. He frequently spoke against corruption and moral decay in public life, insisting that “a nation cannot rise above the character of its people”. This prophetic voice called both church and society to higher standards of ethical conduct.

Inspiring Faith Through Personal Testimony

Perhaps Rev Ukpai’s most powerful legacy is the testimony of his own life. His journey from poverty and fatherlessness to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential spiritual leaders inspired countless individuals facing similar challenges. His ability to maintain strong faith despite losing two children demonstrated that authentic Christianity is not about avoiding suffering but about finding God’s grace sufficient in suffering.

For over six decades, from his conversion in 1958 until his passing in 2025, he remained active in spreading the gospel. This extraordinary longevity in ministry, maintaining passion and effectiveness across generations, is rare and remarkable. Even in his final years, he showed no signs of slowing down, continuing to preach, teach, and plan new ministry initiatives.

Institutional Legacy

The institutions Rev Ukpai established ensure his impact continues beyond his lifetime. The hospitals continue treating patients, the schools continue educating students, and the scholarship foundation continues supporting underprivileged learners. The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association continues its work under new leadership, carrying forward the vision of evangelism, healing, and humanitarian service.

These tangible institutions represent a strategic approach to legacy building. Rather than building ministry entirely around his personality, Rev Ukpai created structures that could outlive him, ensuring sustainability of impact. This foresight distinguishes his ministry from many personality-driven ministries that struggle after their founder’s departure.

Death and Tributes

Passing Away at Age 80

Uma Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. The family confirmed his death in a statement describing it as a “triumphant homegoing” and celebrating his life as “a faithful soldier of the cross”. His passing marked the end of an era in Nigerian Christianity, closing a chapter that began with his conversion in 1958 and spanned over six decades of faithful ministry.

The timing of his death, coming just months after celebrating his 80th birthday in January 2025, meant he had the opportunity to reflect on his life’s work and receive honor from those he impacted. In January 2025, as he marked his 80th birthday, followers and admirers reportedly gifted him ₦80 million in appreciation of his lifelong service to God and humanity.

Before his passing, notable church leaders, including Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor E.A. Adeboye, prayed for him, demonstrating the respect and affection he commanded among his peers. These visits from Nigeria’s most prominent Christian leaders underscored his significance in the nation’s religious landscape.

National and International Tributes

The announcement of Rev Ukpai’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria and around the world. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, extended heartfelt condolences, noting that Ukpai was “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades” and that he “inspired generations of believers”.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid tribute, describing him as “an extraordinary evangelist whose spiritual mission and humanitarian service helped shape both the Christian faith and inspired unity across Nigeria’s communities”. The President recalled landmark crusades like the Greater Ibadan for Christ in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ in 1985, acknowledging their phenomenal proportion and impact on Nigerian society.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family, cutting short an executive meeting to personally visit the family residence in Uyo. The Governor described the late cleric as “an icon and a rare gem whose passing is a great loss not only to Akwa Ibom State but to Nigeria and the global Christian community”.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Modest Lifestyle Despite Influence

Unlike many contemporary televangelists known for ostentatious displays of wealth, Rev Uma Ukpai maintained a relatively modest lifestyle throughout his ministry. Specific details about his net worth are not publicly available, but his financial philosophy prioritized ministry investment over personal accumulation. His resources were channeled primarily into building hospitals, schools, and humanitarian programs rather than personal luxury.

The ₦80 million gift he received on his 80th birthday, while substantial, was presented as appreciation for decades of service rather than payment for ministry. This gift from admirers and beneficiaries of his ministry represented gratitude for a lifetime of selfless service rather than compensation for professional services rendered.

Ministry Financial Management

The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association operated significant financial resources, managing crusade budgets, institutional operations, and humanitarian programs. UUEA was one of the financiers of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), indicating substantial ministry income capable of supporting other religious organizations.

However, financial transparency and accountability characterized his ministry operations. Rather than accumulating personal wealth, resources were invested in sustainable institutions that continued serving communities. The hospitals offered free and subsidized care, the schools provided quality education, and scholarship programs supported underprivileged students—all indicating a redistributive approach to ministry finances.

Economic Impact and Employment

Beyond direct financial measures, Rev Ukpai’s economic impact included job creation through his various institutions. The hospitals employed medical professionals, the schools employed teachers and administrators, and the ministry itself provided employment for numerous full-time and part-time workers. This economic contribution to communities where his institutions operated represents an often-overlooked dimension of ministry impact.

His business empowerment programs created economic opportunities for thousands of young people, enabling them to generate income and support their families. This holistic approach to ministry—addressing spiritual, physical, educational, and economic needs—characterized his understanding that the gospel addresses the whole person, not just the spiritual dimension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Rev Uma Ukpai?

Rev Uma Ukpai was a Nigerian Christian leader, international evangelist and preacher, founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), and a key leader of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, being a founder of the movement.

2. When and where was Rev Uma Ukpai born?

Uma Ukpai was born on January 7, 1945, in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria, and he came from an Igbo ethnic background.

3. Who was Rev Uma Ukpai’s wife?

Ukpai was married to Philomena, a pastor, and their marriage produced eight children and one adopted child, making a total of nine children.

4. How did Rev Uma Ukpai die?

Uma Ukpai passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, and his family described it as a “triumphant homegoing” after over six decades of ministry.

5. What was Rev Uma Ukpai’s greatest achievement?

His Greater Lagos For Christ Crusade of 1985 gave birth to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which became one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian organizations uniting Pentecostal churches nationwide.

6. What institutions did Rev Uma Ukpai establish?

He established the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Asaga, the Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies, Uyo, the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre, and the King of Kings Hospital in Abia State.

7. How many children did Rev Uma Ukpai have?

Their marriage produced eight biological children and one adopted child, though Ukpai tragically lost two of his children in a car collision on the same day.