By Olayide Awosanya, Lagos
Religious bodies such as churches across Nigeria must be seen as solution providers in the society at large.
These are the words of Pastor Edward Olutoke of the Givers Embassy International while addressing journalists at a media briefing in Lagos to officially unveil the Lagos branch of Givers Embassy International.
The church was established on July 30th, 2017 in Abuja, but all is now set to officially launch the Lagos branch at the NUT Pavilion Hall, Alausa, Ikeja come Sunday 30th July, 2023.
The Convener of the event, Pastor Edward Olutoke, an industrialist, who is also the presiding pastor of the church said the Givers Embassy International is here to change the narrative, as it seeks to redefine church experience in Nigeria.
“Religion must be seen as a tool to help and make people in the society prospers. As a matter of fact, our focus is to empower people and make them become useful to themselves at society at large.
“Churches in Nigeria must rewrite their vision statement in such a way that their congregations have a lot to benefit from them.
Givers Embassy International is a clear departure from the norm because this is a church where worshippers are not expected to pay tithes and offerings. It is all about giving and helping the less privileged in society” he added.
The church is majorly driven on the premise of empowering unemployed youths, widows, as well as orphans through diverse programs that will be unfolded in the coming days.
“Our Employment Academy programme will cater to unemployed youths who will also have access to regular monthly stipends.
“We also wish to let you know that there will also be a weekly ‘Talent Hunt’ show which seeks to promote gifted and skilled Nigerians”, adding that the overall winner of the weekly talent hunt show will be encouraged with the sum of one hundred thousand naira, apart from being mentored on how to transform their ideas into business opportunities, thus, becoming employers of labour.
Renowned Nigerian Movie Artiste, Sola Fosodo, who is equally a Professor at Lagos State University(LASU), will be playing a key role in this regard.
His Foundation, popularly known as Blessed Fruit Foundation, saddled with the responsibility of supporting widows and orphans for years in Calabar and Abuja will be equally launched in Lagos during the commissioning so that widows and orphans in Lagos can also tap from this initiative.
The Givers Embassy International football tournament finals for men Above 50 years old will be played immediately after the church service come Sunday at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos as personalities from all walks of life will grace the occasion.
The above 50 Football is the fastest-growing phenomenon in the world of sports right now, giving a new lease of life to senior citizens across the globe as life indeed can start at 50.
The idea behind this laudable football project is to allow the elderly to exercise, network and interact with one another as there will be cash prizes to be won by the winner and runners-up of the football tournament.
Givers Embassy International TV show Big Jesus Naija House will also be flagged off in the coming days so that lovers of religion can be entertained and thrilled.
The Press Briefing also had in attendance Chief Demola Oyefeso, a socialite who is equally an International Promoter, as well as some pastors of the Givers Embassy International Church amongst others.
