By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) Youth Province 9 Headquarters (Palace of Praise) in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has launched a ‘Jesus Market,’ offering foodstuffs and essential items to members of the public at subsidized rates in response to economic challenges.
Pastor Anthony Obinna-Ibe, leading the church, introduced the initiative to alleviate the economic strain faced by residents planning to hold the market two or three times annually. Speaking at the launch on Sunday, Obinna-Ibe emphasized the importance of Christian Social Responsibility, urging the well-to-do to remember the less fortunate, especially during times of hardship like Easter.
Pastor Obinna-Ibe emphasized, “Things are quite challenging; people don’t have enough money to feed and clothe themselves. We decided to do what we call the Christian Social Responsibility to give back to the people.
“People out there in society who are well-to-do should please remember the poor, remember those who may not have enough to eat because there are several people who are hungry. This is the time to also remember them. Like this time, Easter, is all about sacrifice,”.
At the market, church members enjoyed discounted prices on various goods: a measure of garri valued at N1,000 was sold for N400, five tubers of yam worth N9,000 were available for N3,000, and a carton of spaghetti priced at N5,000 was sold at a reduced rate. Additionally, clothing items were offered at discounted prices.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Pastor Obinna-Ibe drew parallels with Jesus’ acts of providing both spiritual nourishment and physical sustenance in the Bible. He emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility by requiring a nominal payment and announced plans for ongoing assistance.
Addressing the initiative, the Pastor Obinna elaborated, “Just like in the Bible, Jesus Christ did not just feed the people with the word of God, he also gave them bread and fish. We decided that let’s help the people so that the hunger in the land will minimise and we could assist where we can, particularly this period.
“Why we decided to add a little price is that people can have a sense of responsibility. A separate account is being opened where people can donate and pay a little money. It is something we will do continuously.
“I personally had to get some money, get some clothes that I have used and some that I have not even used. I gave it out so that people may have something to wear. It is something that we will be doing constantly. Maybe, two or three times in a year,”
Assistant Pastor and Provincial Elder, Pastor Fola Richie-Adewusi, hailed the gesture as a means to alleviate present hardships and called for continued government and community support. He stressed the need for collective efforts to support those in need, urging individuals and authorities alike to extend assistance to the vulnerable in society.
“We have heard about the government giving palliatives through the state government or through the National Assembly for them to take it to the grassroots so that they can support people at this period.
“The government, I believe, is doing something and I can only say they can do more. Well-meaning individuals should reach out to people around them. We can be our brothers and sisters’ keepers,” she expressed.