…Jobless graduates to get N30,000 monthly
By Emma Jemegah
An unconventional church, where tithes and offerings will not be allowed, is set to debut in Lagos on July 30, 2023. The man driving the “revolution”, according to him, is Ambassador Edward Olutoke, who is also the president of Ikeja Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
Olutoke, the brain behind the “Above 50” football tournament, said the church “Givers Embassy” is out to move people away from poverty and show them how to become self-reliant.
“Instead of collecting offerings and tithes, the church pays a stipend of N30,000 monthly to graduates and teaches them how to make their own money and become self-reliant, because churches are supposed to serve as charitable organisations and poverty fighters and not to be used to collect money from the poor masses.
“Immediately after the opening of the church at NUT Pavilion, Alausa, Ikeja, all roads will lead to Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, for the finals of the tournament”, he said.
Givers Embassy, the trailblazing “No-Tithe, No-Offering” church, will officially open its Lagos church. In a momentous event, the church will also launch the highly anticipated Employment Academy, present the Ikeja branch of the Blessed Fruit Foundation, and unveil “Big Jesus Naija,” a groundbreaking talent hunt and reality show.
The grand opening is scheduled to take place in its first church service on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the NUT Pavilion, Alausa, Ikeja.
Givers Embassy has rapidly gained recognition as a unique spiritual community promoting a message of giving, love, leading of the Holy Spirit and empowerment. The church’s distinctive approach to worship emphasizes the importance of giving back to society, while relieving its members of the burden of compulsory tithes and offerings.
He said: “Our church stands on the divine tripod of three scriptures: Isaiah 43.21, Luke 4.18, John 14.26. We are a unique and forward-thinking spiritual community committed to creating an environment of love, compassion and empowerment. At Givers Embassy, we believe in redefining the traditional concept of church, embracing a holistic approach that addresses the spiritual, emotional and practical needs of our congregation.”
Explaining the vision of the church, Olutoke said it was simple yet powerful: “to be a beacon of light and hope in the lives of individuals and communities. We strive to foster an atmosphere where people can experience spiritual growth, find purpose and unlock their full potential. Our ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on society by empowering individuals to live meaningful, fulfilled lives.”
Unlike the conventional church, Olutoke said the Givers Embassy is a different approach to worshipping God: “The Givers Embassy stands out from conventional churches by reimagining the way we worship and engage with our members. We have consciously moved away from the traditional practice of tithing and offerings, believing that true worship goes beyond financial contributions. Instead, we emphasize the importance of giving back to society, sharing love, compassion and resources with those in need.
“At Givers Embassy, we are passionate about empowering individuals to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. We offer a wide range of programmes, initiatives and schemes designed to provide practical support and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our aim is to equip our congregation with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in all areas of life.
“The Lagos church opening will mark a significant milestone for the Givers Embassy family, as it seeks to expand its reach and impact within the bustling city of Lagos. Congregants can expect a spiritually uplifting experience that resonates with the ethos of love, compassion and service with the leading of the Holy Spirit. There shall be unlimited praise, undiluted word and solutions to societal problems.”
He said the key highlights of the grand opening would include the introduction of the Employment Academy, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering individuals with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the job market. Through practical training sessions, mentorship programmes, and partnerships with businesses, the academy seeks to equip participants for successful career paths while they are supported with a N30,000 monthly stipend to keep body and soul together.
As part of the Givers Embassy’s commitment to community welfare, the Ikeja branch of the Blessed Fruit Foundation for widows and orphans, founded by Prof. Sola Fosudo, will be unveiled during the event.
“This charitable organisation is dedicated to providing support, education and essential resources to vulnerable individuals within the community, especially widows and orphans.”
The promoters of the church will also unveil the ‘Big Jesus Naija,’ a talent hunt and reality show, which promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent, creativity, innovations and inspiration. The talent hunt and reality show will provide a platform for aspiring artists, singers, dancers, innovators and entertainers to display their gifts, gain exposure and compete for exciting prizes.
On the “Above 50” football tournament final, Olutoke said the tournament would hold immediately after the church service at the National Stadium.
“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. You will see football at its best on Sunday. Life indeed can start at 50,” he said.