Imagine if Pastor Ibiyeomie's massive Hand of God Auditorium were a factory employing thousands of Nigerians
When you look at the massive Hand of God Auditorium built by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, it is hard not to imagine something different.
What if a structure of that size, with all the money, planning, engineering and resources that went into it, were a massive factory producing goods for Nigerians and the international market?
Imagine the jobs
Just imagine the number of young Nigerians who could be employed there: engineers, technicians, machine operators, electricians, cleaners, security staff, accountants, drivers and thousands of other workers earning salaries and caring for their families.
Think about the businesses that would spring up around it. Food vendors, transport operators, suppliers and small business owners would all benefit from the economic activity.
And imagine if that factory produced the things Nigeria currently spends billions importing. It could strengthen the economy, encourage local production and create opportunities for future generations.
This is not an attack on the church
This is not an argument against Christianity, churches or places of worship. Everyone has the right to practise their religion, and religious organisations also provide jobs and contribute to society.
But Nigerians must begin to ask serious questions about our priorities as a nation.
A nation searching for jobs
Millions of young Nigerians are searching for work. Many graduates have certificates but nowhere to work. Some have spent years learning skills, yet there are few industries where they can put those skills to use.
Meanwhile, the country keeps celebrating enormous buildings without giving the same attention to factories, industries and other investments that could provide lasting employment.
Imagine if wealthy Nigerians, including religious leaders, invested more heavily in manufacturing alongside their religious projects. Imagine the difference it could make.
Prayer and production
A nation cannot pray its way into industrial development without also investing in production, skills, infrastructure and jobs.
Nigeria needs churches, yes. But it also desperately needs factories where young people can work, earn a decent living and build their future.
Over to you
If you had the money to build an auditorium as big as Pastor Ibiyeomie's Hand of God, would you build a church, or a factory that could employ thousands of Nigerians?
- Pastor David Ibiyeomie built the massive Hand of God Auditorium.
- Could the same investment have created thousands of factory jobs?
- Nigeria still imports billions in goods it could produce.
