5th edition of TWC Ogbomoso Jesus Market holds, sales of bags of rice banned

5th edition of TWC Ogbomoso Jesus Market holds, sales of bags of rice banned

Rasak BELLO

The fifth edition of the Jesus Market monthly organized by the True Worshipers Church (TWC), Ogbomoso, Oyo state, has been held.

Held last Saturday at the church premises at Oke-Anu, people in their hundreds thronged the venue to benefit from sales of food and other items at considerably cheaper rates.

The items are usually subsidized by the church and thousands have benefited in the past with accolades being heaped on the church and its lead pastor, Rev’d Niyi Adebayo, and other contributors.

The first edition was held in August with the initiative being birthed as a result of the unbearable hardship assailing the land.

Declaring open the December edition, Aale of Okelerin, HRM Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebamiji Amao, commended Rev’d Adebayo “for introducing the market” while thanking “all others who support it to ensure the goods are sold at subsidized prices to ease the burden of the residents.”

The cleric speaking with journalists said the December edition was targeted to ensure people purchase goods at cheaper prices in the spirit of the festive season.

“We started in August to contribute our quota to making life easier for the people. This December edition is aimed at ensuring people buy goods for Christmas and New Year celebrations at cheaper prices. So, we introduced the Jesus Market to make people enjoy Christmas.”

Explaining why they stopped sales of rice in bags in this edition, Adebayo, who is also the proprietor of Zoe Schools, stated, “We stopped sale of bags of rice when we discovered those buying them are reselling at higher prices, which negates the purpose of this initiative which is to make goods affordable.”

“By the time they bought in bags those who want to buy smaller quantities like in kongos were not able to get again so that is why we cancelled sales of bags of rice in this edition.”

He is not certain yet if the initiative will continue next year, noting, “Its continuation next year depends on God. It is not easy staging the Jesus Market in view of the financial implications, so, its sustainability will depend on God.” while welcoming assistance from public-spirited individuals.

This is as he revealed that plan is afoot to stage one at the Ogunlola Hall instead of inside the church premises “so that more people will benefit.”

Also, the aged were given a sum of N10, 000 each for support just as there was a health stand manned by professional health practitioners.

Rev’d Adebayo has become a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso making significant contributions to its education and socio-economic development.

Many participants heaped encomium on the organizers describing the initiative as “wonderful.”