The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Youth Province 9 Headquarters (known as Palace of Praise) in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has introduced a ‘Jesus Market’ initiative where goods are sold at discounted prices for church members.
Pastor Anthony Obinna-Ibe, who leads the church, explained that the market aims to help members cope with economic challenges. It will be open for transactions two or three times a year.
In a statement released by the church on Monday, Pastor Obinna-Ibe mentioned that the ‘Jesus Market’ was inaugurated during Easter celebrations as part of their Christian Social Responsibility to support those facing financial difficulties.
At the market, church members could purchase various items at reduced prices. For example, A measure of garri worth N1,000 went for N400, five tubers of yam worth N9,000 were sold at N3,000, a carton of spaghetti was sold at N5,000, a litre of groundnut oil worth N2,500 was sold for N700, a measure of rice worth N2,500 was sold at N1,000.
Also, clothing items were sold at the market including; a skirt worth N3,000 and sold at N500, a suit was sold at N1,000, Kampala was sold at N1,000, a T-shirt worth 7,000 was sold at N1,000, a polo shirt was sold at N500 and shoe and gown worth N28,000 and N7,000 were sold at N1,000 respectively, according to the statement.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Pastor Obinna-Ibe likened it to Jesus’ acts of providing both spiritual nourishment and physical sustenance. He emphasized the importance of community support, encouraging donations to continue the initiative regularly.
“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 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 a year.”
The Assistant Pastor and Provincial Elder, Pastor Fola Richie-Adewusi, who said the gesture would help to cushion the effect of the present 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 called on the government for continued support to people, said, “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.
“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 said.