In Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Youth Province 9 Headquarters (Palace of Praise) has instituted a ‘Jesus Market’ where foodstuffs and other items will be sold to church members at subsidized rates.

Pastor Anthony Obinna-Ibe, the head pastor of the church, stated the market, was organized as part of the efforts to reduce the harsh economy on members, which would be open for transactions two or three times a year.

According to a statement by the church on Monday, stating that Obinna-Ibe spoke at the launching of Jesus Market in the church premises in Ado Ekiti on Sunday.

“Things are quite challenging; people don’t have enough money to feed and clothe themselves. We decided to do what we call the Christian Social Responsibility to give back to the people.

“People out there in society who are well-to-do should please remember the poor  remember those who may not have enough to eat because there are several people who are hungry. This is the time to also remember them. Like this time, Easter, is all about sacrifice,” the cleric said.

At the Jesus market, church members bought goods and food items at a reduced price. A measure of garri worth N1,000 went for N400; five tubers of yam worth N9,000 were sold at N3,000; a carton of spaghetti was sold at N5,000; a litre of groundnut oil worth N2,500 was sold for N700; a measure of rice worth N2,500 was sold at N1,000.

Also, clothing items were sold at the market including; A skirt worth N3,000 and sold at N500; a suit was sold at N1,000; a Kampala fabric was sold at N1,000; a T-shirt worth 7,000 was sold at N1,000; a polo shirt was sold at N500 and shoes and gown worth N28,000 and N7,000, respectively, were sold at N1,000, according to the statement by the church.

Speaking on the initiative, the pastor said, “Just like in the Bible, Jesus Christ did not just feed the people with the word of God, he also gave them bread and fish. We decided that let’s help the people so that the hunger in the land will minimise and we could assist where we can, particularly this period.

“Why we decided to add a little price is that people can have a sense of responsibility. A separate account is being opened where people can donate and pay a little money. It is something we will do continuously.

“I personally had to get some money, get some clothes that I have used and some that I have not even used. I gave it out so that people may have something to wear. It is something that we will be doing constantly. Maybe, two or three times in a year,” he said.

Pastor Fola Richie-Adewusi, the Assistant Pastor and Provincial Elder, stated the gesture would help to reduce the effect of the present hardship.

“The response from the people showed that they appreciated that gesture. They see it as something supportive for them to eat,” he said.

The assistant pastor, who pleaded with the government for their continual support to people, said, “We have heard about the government giving palliatives through the state government or through the National Assembly for them to take it to the grassroots so that they can support people at this period.

“The government, I believe, is doing something and I can only say they can do more. Well-meaning individuals should reach out to people around them. We can be our brothers and sisters’ keepers,” she said.