Nigeria, Oct. 13 -- Renowned Nigerian evangelist, Uma Ukpai, is dead.

Uma, revered as the father of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, died on 6 October, the family said in a statement issued on Monday, 13 October.

He was 80 years old.

"A faithful soldier has been called to rest," the statement said, referring to Uma's towering influence among Christians in Nigeria.

"Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstration of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.

"He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, founding father of faith, loving husband, devoted father and mentor to many, and his life was a te...