The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Prosperity Assembly, Area 12, Lagos Province 130, over the weekend launched the maiden edition of its “Jesus Market” initiative, a Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) programme designed to provide food and household items at highly subsidised prices for members and residents of its host community.
The initiative, according to the organisers, was inspired by the mandate of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, urging parishes of the church to continually give back to society in line with the biblical example of Jesus Christ, who not only preached the gospel but also met the physical needs of the people.
Area Pastor, Bisi Folahan, explained that the Jesus Market was conceptualised to demonstrate the love of Christ by easing the economic burden on Nigerians grappling with rising costs of living. “It’s not only about the spiritual. People want to hear the word of God, but at the same time, they want to be fed like our Lord Jesus Christ did,” he said.
Folahan disclosed that staple food items such as rice, beans, yam, tomatoes, soap, and detergents were sold at over 90 per cent discount, while some items were given out free of charge. A tuber of yam ordinarily priced at ₦4,000 in the open market went for between ₦1,000 and ₦1,500 at the event. “We put resources together so that people can come and buy with little or no money. The church also partnered with companies like Wema Bank, Money Point, and Kellogg’s, who offered products at discounted rates and distributed free gifts,” he added.
The welfare department, which coordinated sales, revealed that nearly ₦1 million was spent on procuring items. Head of Welfare, Faith Okoduwai Lembinwan, said the market was not restricted to church members alone. “People from the community and even other denominations came. Tickets were issued to ensure orderliness, but access was open to all,” she said. She further noted that a pint custard measure of rice, which sells for ₦7,000 in local markets, was offered at ₦2,000 during the programme.
Organisers described the initiative as a deliberate response to the current economic realities. One of the coordinators, Sister Mercy Olowoporku, said: “When they are buying a tuber of yam for ₦500 instead of ₦3,000, they can see the impact. Many are already testifying that hope is not lost.”
Beyond the discounted purchases, the programme also offered beneficiaries free Point of Sale (POS) machines sponsored by Money Point to encourage financial inclusion.
For the church, the Jesus Market is not a one-off. Pastor Folahan confirmed that another edition is scheduled for December, ahead of Christmas festivities, with plans to expand the scale and possibly move to a larger venue to accommodate anticipated crowds. “Next time, we are going to have more free items than discounted items,” he assured.
Patrons who spoke to The Guardian commended the initiative. A church member, Chief Frank Onyebuchi Abazie, said: “I bought a lot, not just for myself but also for others. I wish this could happen every month because it will draw people closer to God.” Another beneficiary, Mrs. Grace Anene, described the market as “a welcome innovation that should be sustained with the support of industries and partners.”
The Jesus Market, organisers stressed, is both an act of charity and a testimony of faith. “The essence is to show love, promote Jesus Christ, and give people hope in difficult times,” said Lembinwan.
