Encomium
+ The rise and rise of the N20 billion Victorious Army Ministries International
RAPIDLY-growing Pentecostal church, the Victorious Army Ministries International (VAM) has reportedly kicked off the construction of its private university.
The project, with its location still under wraps and expected to be completed next year, would gulp over N13 billion!
“Apostle Joseph and Mama Blessings Agboli are really investing the kingdom way. They are building primary, secondary schools and now a world-class private university. And when completed, it would be a citadel of quality education and sound morals. The informal ground breaking ceremony took place weeks back, with the hope the university should be completed in few years’ time,” a reliable source at VAM told ENCOMIUM Weekly.
Similarly, VAM is building specialist hospitals in 19 states of the federation. This, according to the church, is for the health needs of the less privileged, the vulnerable members of society and the general public.
The multi-billion hospital project is the initiative of Pastor (Mrs.) Blessings Agboli, a nurse and midwife who is also a lawyer and serial entrepreneur. We gathered she is worried by the high rate of maternal deaths ravaging developing countries and has vowed to save lives through provision of quality and affordable medical facilities. She is even employing foreign health specialists to work with highly skilled Nigerian healthcare providers.
One of the model hospitals, though undisclosed, has been already completed, according to informed sources.
Victorious Army Ministries International was founded by Apostle Joseph Dominic Agboli in 1995. The over 50,000 member church which actually started with just 153 people after a vigil held in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, has since emerged one of the fastest-growing Nigerian churches with assets now in excess of N20 billion!
VAM is currently in Lagos State, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Abia, Abuja (all in Nigeria), Baltimore (USA), UK, South Africa and still counting…
The over N800 million Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos expansive edifice (serving as VAM’s worship centre and international headquarters) was developed in 1998. Formerly a warehouse, it’s on about two acres of land valued at over N720 million (if sold at N60 million per plot).
Victorious Army’s property portfolio in the Acme Road, Ogba neighbourhood is quite intimidating. With about ten acres of land (that’s 60 plots) in the choice industrial hub, estate valuers say it’s worth about N3.6 billion!
It’s not only in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, Victorious Army Ministries has juicy property. The ministry allegedly boasts of over N3 billion properties across the nation and overseas.
Though the church has substantial investment in tele-evangelism, the founder, Apostle Agboli strongly believes in direct impactation experience. Hence, thousands throng to the church’s Lagos headquarters weekly for its two Sunday services (8am – 10am and 11am – 1pm) and midweek services. There is also the now monthly Jesus Women of Influence programme and the annual Bethel Victory Convention which marks the church anniversary.
The 19th Bethel Victory Convention holds Wednesday, December 3 to Sunday, December 7, 2014. The venue is The Victorious Army Ministries International on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.
Themed The Blessing That Makes Rich, notable men of God like Rev. Uma Ukpai, TREM’s Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Papa Ayo Oritsejafor would be ministering, alongside the hosts, Apostle Joseph Agboli and Pastor (Mrs.) Blessings Agboli (Mama).
2014 Bethel Victory Convention will feature what VAM tagged “Morning Glory Liberty Services” from Wednesday, December 3 to Saturday December 6 (7.30am – 10.00 am). There would be another program- Word/ Miracle Encounter- from 5.30 to 8pm daily, while the mega convention winds up on Sunday, December 7 (8.00am – 11.00am).
Apostle Agboli has written so many books which have transformed lives. Some of them are the best selling, Faith the Speaking Spirit, Dominion in Faith, The Power For Manifestation, Kingdom Principles For All Round Breakthrough, Fasting: Pathway To Empowerment, among others.
In fact, followers of the humble and cerebral preacher have all attested to the fact that he has a message that works and produces result.
His lovely and dependable wife, Mama Blessings Agboli also has her audience who are mainly women and young people. Her inspirational words on marriage, relationship, Christian and lifestyle, empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit have indeed changed lives and influenced her generation.
In furtherance of its Apostolic Mandate, the Victorious Army Ministries has deployed hundreds of millions of naira over the years to procure vehicles for members’ transport to church and special programmes. With luxury buses manned by the transport and logistics unit of VAM, the faithful constantly enjoy free, absolutely comfortable rides.
The welfare department also lives up to its mission with over N300 million lavished on needy members of VAM annually. Other charitable activities and projects going on here include scholarship, sports, entertainment, among other good causes.
It’s in the light of the above that the Agbolis have been widely commended for channelling kingdom resources to the needs of members and society at large, not minding their own personal interest and needs.
“Unlike some churches where the GO cannot separate his personal funds from the church’s, what Papa and Mama do here is exemplary. They’re creating a common wealth for the expansion and progress of God’s kingdom. This is why they cater for members’ needs as well as the less privileged, anywhere they are found. You feel this in the schools, heathcare facilities Victorious Army is investing massively in,” a foundation member of the church revealed.
Asked to substantiate this statement, Mama simply said, she would rather leave the works to speak for the church.
“For over 20 years, we have been serving God with resources He provides for His work. And that won’t stop until Jesus comes. We give back to God and mankind all He gives us.”
On the mission and vision of the Victorious Army Ministries, Pastor Blessings Agboli, who copiously quoted the book of Isaiah Chapter 61 verses 1 to 6, said, it centres on Restoration and Liberty. We were also referred to VAM’s official website with the following words from Apostle Joseph Agboli:
“…At Victorious Army Ministries International, you will always be connected to God’s presence. What we relentlessly crave is to serve and worship God in holiness. We pray that God glorifies His name in your life, and His Word brightens your path. We pray that God strengthens you in your work of faith, and restore to you all the good things you have lost. We pray that He empowers you to communicate to others the love and spirit that He has given you to have victory over the enemy, and to be prosperous here on earth, and make heaven.
“Also, my wife and I pray that your life receives the power of God, and your home, the peace of God. As you learn more about our Ministry, we pray that Christ shall minister upon your soul, and that you meet The Lord Jesus Christ, in a new profound way.”
Apostle Joseph Dominic Agboli would be 51 on November 29 while delectable and fashionable Pastor (Mrs.) Blessings Agboli (whose birthday falls on December 27) is in her 40s.
Mentored and greatly influenced by the father of Pentecostalism in Africa, late Achbishop Benson Idahosa, Apostle Agboli gave his life to Christ in 1987. Pastor Blessings on the other hand, is a protégé of Pastor Tunde Bakare, the ‘Serving Overseer’ of Latter Rain Assembly.
The immensely wealthy and influential preachers of the gospel, who run the over N20 billion Victorious Army Ministry, got married in 1994. They are blessed with five children, two boys and three girls who all live in the United Kingdom (UK).
– UCHE OLEHI
