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By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Matthew Ashimolowo, a Nigerian clergyman and senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre in London, has declared his full support for the N15tr 700 -kilometre Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway project of the federal government, describing it as a “necessity.”
Pastor Ashimolowo who anchored his support for the about 8 – year – duration road project on its strategic economic importance and location, said that 60 percent of the businesses in Nigeria take place in Lagos alone while the Southwest, South – South and South -East geopolitical zones which he reckoned as “Nigeria’s basin of wealth,” but lamented that roads in these regions remained largely impassable.
He noted that the coastal highway when completed will decongest traffic on Lagos – Ibadan, Lagos – Ore expressways respectively, fast-track movement of goods and persons and bring about accelerated growth and development in the South and rest of the country.
The renowned international preacher made this position known while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital after delivering his sermon on Monday on the topic ” The Mark of a Good Man,” being his homily at the 60th birthday celebration of the Founder and Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume.
Ashimolowo, however, advised the federal government not to neglect the need to also fix the existing deplorable federal roads in parts sof the country while working on the ongoing Lagos – Calabar coastal highway.
He also urged the government to cut down cost of governance, devise other belt – tightening strategies to make funds available to help the poor and consider the Kenneysian economic model which entails government making companies to produce in excess while the government buys the surplus for distribution to the poor.
Ashimolowo said, “Personally, I will actually favour that coastal road because 60 percent of businesses done in Nigeria are done in Lagos alone and the Southwest, South – South and South – East are the basin of Nigeria’s wealth yet the roads are impassable.
“I think it is anachronism that the previous government did road to Niger to bring little or nothing. I think the coastal road is a necessity as long as there is balance while they’re doing that(the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway), they are repairing the other ones also.
“People who seemed to be blessed should not leave everything to the government. You cannot close your bowel of mercy (to the have nots), there is need in the land, there is a lot challenges in the land. Nigeria is a funny place even if the prices of petrol and dollar come down, prices that have gone up may stay up. Reach out, touch somebody, bring out something even if you have to give them little here, little there.
“And to our leaders, please do all you can to bring down the cost of governance. Cut down the previous system of doing things. Look for ways to create some tightening of belts to help the needy, practice Kanesian economy, it is where government makes companies to over produce and the government buys the excess to give to the poor.”
On the birthday celebrator, Pastor Ashimolowo described Apostle Achudume as a learner and teacher who bears the mark of a good man with God’s presence resting on him, as evidenced in his intimacy with God.
According to him, the grace of God radiates around Achudume.
In his remarks described himself as a man helped by God and corroborated Ashimolowo’s position that he (Apostle Achudume) is someone who enjoys a special grace that keeps radiating around him.
“I am a man helped by God. I know where I’m coming from. I know where I would have been and I know where God has taken me.
“What would I say, but that God has helped me, that is the summary of my life.
“One thing I can remember is that the ifa oracle had told my great grand mother that the man( Lawrence Achudume) will not serve the God that they serve, but will serve the white man’s God ( Christianity) and it began to work out.There are challenges on the way until we get to where we are.”
He praised his wife, children and congregants for being strong pillars of support.
He said: ” If my wife and church members had given me problem, I would have died by age 40. God has blessed me with wonderful people and I owe them a debt of love after the birthday celebration.”
The birthday celebration also witnessed the launch of an autobiography on Apostle Achudume titled ” The man helped by God.”
In attendance at the colourful celebration were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represnted by his wife, Chief ( Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, former Governor of Akwa- ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, immediate Past Nigeria Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Osile of Oke – Ona Egba, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso, the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Professor) Saka Matemilola, first lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and Pastor Tunde Bakare.
Others include God’s General and former President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria(PFN), Rev. Felix Omobude and wife, Abiola Omobude, ArchBishop, Vineyard Christian Ministries, ArchBishop John Osa-Oni, Bishop of the African Church, Solution Ground, Bishop, Jeremiah Tunji Okunlola, Bishop and Reverend Mrs Felix Adejumo, Lead Pastor Rock Foundation Church , Reverend Tunde Amosu, Bishop Oladepo Ogunsola who stood in for the President, Pentocostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, Bishop Jide Ayangbesan, Bishop Kayode Okulaja, Bishop Christian Akano, Reverend Paul Aude, ArchBishop Ojo, Rev. (Dr.) Kunle Adesina.
Others are Pastor Dele Osunmakinde, Deputy National Preident, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria,ArchBishop Joy Prince, Pastor Senfuye of Treasure House of God, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Ogun State, Apostle Israel Oyelana, Reverend Mrs Stephen Olalekan of Rehoboth Assembly, Professor and Professor Mrs Sam Oluwalana, Pastor Femi Emmanuel among others.
Credit: The Nation
