TheCable

Some social media users have expressed displeasure over the Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre, labelling it a “misplaced priority”.

Udom Emmanuel, former governor of the state, who built the church, had said it was of great significance to a state named after God and consisting of a 99% Christian population.

Emmanuel added that the building would be an altar that will perpetually draw God’s blessings to people of the state.

At the time of construction in 2021, residents had faulted the rationale behind the project. However, the state government dismissed the critics, saying they were hypocrites.

Although the former governor said the church would be completed at the end of 2022, the inauguration was moved to May 28, 2023.

In an X post on Tuesday, Umo Eno, governor of the state, disclosed that government officials and other political stakeholders held a “Special Inter-denominational Thanksgiving/New Year Service” at the worship centre.

Eno’s post sparked fresh criticisms on social media platforms.

“Mr Governor, happy new year. While you are inaugurating the worship center, there is hunger in the land. This data is from the @WFP hunger map. What is the economic significance of this center?” reads a comment from an X user who attached a food insufficiency chart reportedly from the United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP).

Akwa Ibom topped the list in the chart.

You sat down in your exco meeting, with 70% youth unemployment, and decided to build a worship center.

A banker, a capitalist, an economist.

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You are empty.

If I ever become a governor I’ll convert that waste of space to a business center or a mall.

Unam ikot.

— NsiSong (@nsikool) January 3, 2024

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Sir this is a pure waste of resources. More than half of your citizens are living in poverty with majority of them still doing gateman and househelp in people’s homes. This money could have been channeled into poverty alleviation programs or into massive job creation projects.…

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— worldrichest (@christiptop) January 3, 2024

This is what you Could budget…a whole State 32billion for? Tax payers money…. needless of talking much. Karma will finds its root soon

— AKPAN ETINAN 🦅 (@platidoe) January 3, 2024

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Here are a few more reactions.

This is the new Akwa Ibom International worship Centre in Nigeria built with 32.3 billion Naira. 32 billion Naira can empower 32 000 Akwa Ibomites with 1 million Naira each as small business capital. Yesterday, Akwa Ibomites congregated at the worship Centre to pray for jobs. pic.twitter.com/VEYnPRREz6

— Dr Penking™🇳🇬🇦🇺 (@drpenking) January 3, 2024

Government has no business building religious worship centres,but since it is a PDP State,no one will complain.

Over 20 billion Naira to build an international worship centre that has no economic impact minus people going there to pray about their problems. pic.twitter.com/yGnWZJu2v6

— Ekiti Baby Governor TK (@EkitiBabyGov) January 3, 2024

People built an International Worship Centre, yet no one can boldly say misappropriation didn’t occur in the process.

Who are they worshipping?

— Cruce † (@IAmCruce) January 3, 2024

International Christian Worship Centre built by Akwa Ibom State Government. It cost over N32 billion.

I won’t say anything until Dangote refinery starts full-time work, and Eko Atlantic is 80% done. But for now, let Akwa-Ibom people keep relocating to lagos for work. pic.twitter.com/eqQZKCDmtm

— June12 Mandate (@Gen_Buhar) January 3, 2024

Maybe the International Worship Centre will serve as a congregation of all the fake prayer houses littering the state. They should submit the proceeds of their thievery as revenue to the state.

Just maybe, ‘cos that’s the only explanation I can give to that monumental nonsense.

— Uboho (@yubbie_othman) January 3, 2024

Thank you Mr Governor for building international worship centre, this will help Nigerians to come and pray for our economy, insecurity and hardship in the country for God to come and help us solve all our problems.

— Alpha De Great (@AlphaDeGreat) January 3, 2024

They should convert it to conference centre and at least let it be making money. Turn that entire region to a conference hub and international organisations will rent the space to have their conferences. That worship centre is the most unpopular project I have ever seen. https://t.co/gzxUEwNdPh

— Hi, I’m Franklin 📸 (@franklindavidss) January 3, 2024

Mr Governor, happy new year. While you are inaugurating the worship center, there is hunger in the land. This data is from the @WFP hunger map.

What is the economic significance of this center? pic.twitter.com/Roxp3gOaR9

— Anyetye Umoren (@Anyetye1) January 3, 2024

Churches are littered everywhere in Akwa Ibom, yet una still dey invest billions to build another one….it is well

— Nnebemchukwu🦁 (@SageKristen) January 3, 2024