Cleric blesses widows, indigent youths

Vera Wisdom-Bassey

Popular cleric and founder of INRI Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, recently brought smiles to the faces of many widows and other indigent and vulnerable persons.

In commemoration of his birthday, the cleric gave empowerment to artisans who could not afford to set up their own businesses. He also paid for the accommodation of those who could not pay their rent.

Different foodstuff, wrappers, sewing machines, driers and other items were distributed at the event. Gathered to receive the items were over 500 men, women and youth. Each of them was given N50,000.

Among those who benefited were Bimbola Bello, Toyin Aberriagbo, Vera Cruze Adedoyin and Oluwashewon Kumuyi.

During the thanksgiving to mark his birthday, he called on politicians to remember the poor and put them in the budget. He also called on pastors to rise up to the task of assisting the poor and not just taking from them. 

“Pastors hardly identify with the poor. They hardly visit people living in the slums. Today, it has become the norm in the household of faith for giving of seeds of faith. The Lord Jesus Christ identified with the poor. Even while in the wilderness, he fed the multitude with fish and five loaves of bread. He made sure they were filled. So, Jesus fed the hungry and he expects us to do the same today.

“It is not only money that will make people happy. Encouragement, identifying with the needy, these are things that will go a long way in creating happiness in the minds of people. It is not until you are wealthy that you can give. You can still give your widow’s mite. Remember the widow who gave only the two pence she had. She had no money but she had to give it because of her love for God. But some of those who had much and gave were not accepted by God. I encourage you to give, because givers never lack.”

He noted that Nigeria lacks good leaders because the leaders in the country hardly care for people.

“We have governments that do not love us. We need a government that will bring peace to this country and cater for the poor,” he said.