The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Youth Province 9 Headquarters (Palace of Praise) in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State has introduced a 'Jesus Market' that offered goods at lower prices for church members.
The pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Anthony Obinna-Ibe, mentioned that the market, created to help church members deal with the country's economic challenges, would operate two or three times annually.
A church statement on Monday explained that Obinna-Ibe, spoke at the launch of 'Jesus Market' at the church location in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, as part of Easter celebrations, saying, 'The situation is tough. People are struggling to afford food and clothing. We decided to practice Christian Social Responsibility and give back to the people.'
'People who are well-off should remember the poor and those who may not have enough to eat because there are many hungry people. This is the time to remember them. Easter is all about sacrifice,' he added.
At the market, church members purchased goods and food items at reduced prices.
A unit of garri worth N1,000 was sold for N400, while five yams worth N9,000 were sold for N3,000, a carton of spaghetti was sold for N5,000, a litre of groundnut oil worth N2,500 was sold for N700, and a unit of rice worth N2,500 was sold for N1,000.
Additionally, clothing items were also sold at the market at discounted rates, including a skirt worth N3,000 sold at N500, a suit sold for N1,000, Kampala sold for N1,000, a T-shirt worth 7,000 sold for N1,000, a polo shirt sold for N500, and shoes and gown worth N28,000 and N7,000 respectively being sold at N1,000 each, according to the statement.
Commenting on the initiative, the pastor stated, 'Just like in the Bible, Jesus Christ did not just feed the people with the word of God. He also provided them with bread and fish. We decided to help the people so that hunger in the land will decrease, and we could assist where we can, especially during this period.'
'We decided to have a minimal price so that people can have a sense of responsibility. A separate account will be opened for people to donate and contribute a small amount. This is something we will be doing regularly.'
'I had to gather some money, clothes that I have used and some that I have not even worn. I gave them out so that people may have something to wear. This is something that we will be doing consistently, maybe, two or three times a year.'
The Assistant Pastor and Provincial Elder, Pastor Fola Richie-Adewusi, who mentioned that the gesture would help alleviate the current hardship, added, 'The response from the people showed that they appreciate that gesture. They see it as something supportive for them to eat.'
Richie-Adewusi, who urged the government to continue supporting people, said, 'We have heard about the government providing palliatives through the state government or through the National Assembly to support people at this time.'
The government, in my opinion, is taking action, and I can only say they can do more. Well-intentioned individuals should help people around them. We can take care of our brothers and sisters,
