Encomium
The President of Believers’ Love World (Christ Embassy), Rev. Chris Oyakhilome has completed and donated a 650 capacity ultra modern auditorium to the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo state on Monday, January 2, 2014. ENCOMIUM Weekly’s check revealed that work began on the project last year and was concluded few weeks back. Information available to ENCOMIUM Weekly revealed that the ultra modern structure gulped over N150 million.
The ministry confirmed that Oyakhilome handed the keys over to the Edo State governor and Visitor to the state university, Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole during the commissioning. Rev Oyakhilome is an alumni of the university.
He also donated a 100 KVA sound proof generator imported from United States of America which cost over N1.6 million. He explained that he decided to embark on the project after observing the sincere determination by the authorities of the university to provide the needs of the students.
He said: “This is the first phase and to serve as a catalyst for others to join hands in developing the country. The problem is not the management of our natural resources, but managing the potentials locked up in the minds of our teaming youths, whose education cannot be separated from the aspirations of the country.”
In his response, Oshiomhole, commended the cleric for his “vision and commitment,” describing him as a global icon. “Pastor Chris is not only a good ambassador of the university, but of the state and the entire country. We are here, not only to commission a building, but to attest to his conduct and giving to others.”
Meanwhile, we confirmed on Thursday, January 30, 2014 that Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has relocated to Johannesburg in South Africa.
Sources close to the stylish and urbane pastor revealed that he relocated to South Africa to further spread the gospel of Christ and win more souls for the Kingdom of God.’
The source added that the man of God disclosed that his disciples were taken aback by his decision to leave his base in Nigeria, where he became popular as a preacher of the gospel that appeals mostly to youths. We learnt the reason is not unconnected with the myriad of criticisms that trail his healing and miracle services in Nigeria. However, he was given a rosy welcome in South Africa. Aside that, we gathered that the ministry’s cable station is based in South Africa. Thus, he decided to make the base his new headquarters.
His church members were said to have asked questions when the man took the decision initially, but we learnt that they all agreed that it was time for him to move on as he has reportedly raised pastors who could hold forte for him in Nigeria and that he wanted to do the same in South Africa.
The Nigerian chapter of Christ Embassy Church is being co-ordinated by the church’s numerous zonal pastors, while Pastor Oyakhilome still gives final approval to decisions and visits the country regularly to preach at church programmes.
“Pastor Oyakhilome is still in touch with what we do in Nigeria. He comes around regularly, but he currently stays in South Africa, where the church is expanding by the day. There is no cause for alarm, the pastors here are doing well too and I can tell you that the church is growing by the day and we are winning souls for Christ,” said a source.
-FEMI OYEWALE
