The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Area 12, Province 130, Ilamoshe, Okeafa, Isolo area of Lagos State, on Sunday, organised a special community fair tagged ‘Jesus Market’, where goods were sold at highly subsidised prices.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair, held within the church premises, attracted both members of the congregation and residents of the community, who purchased food and household items at giveaway prices.
Pastor Bisi Folahan, who oversees RCCG Area 12, said the initiative was part of the church’s Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) to give back to society.
“We are given a mandate to behave like Christ by doing good, feeding the hungry, and helping people in difficult times. At this Jesus Market, people bought items for little or no cost. For example, yam that normally costs about N4,000 in the market was sold for N1,000. Some items were also given out free,” he explained.
According to him, companies such as MoniePoint, Wema Bank, and Kellogg’s partnered with the church to support the programme by providing products and gifts. He added that free point-of-sale (PoS) terminals were distributed to some traders.
Folahan further revealed that the fair would now hold twice a year, with the next edition scheduled for December to enable families to shop at reduced prices for Christmas.
Head of the Welfare Department, Mrs Mercy Olowoporku, said the market was designed to sell items at half the price or less.
“For example, an item that costs N3,000 in the open market was sold here for N500. People are very happy, and many testified that this will encourage them to appreciate both the church and God more,” she noted.
Another welfare team member, Mrs Faith Okoduwa-Ilembiluan, added that food items such as rice, beans, garri, tomatoes, pepper, soap, and detergents were sold at low prices.
She explained, “In the market, a half-paint measure of rice costs N3,500, but we sold it for N2,000. The aim is not profit but to help the community. The project was funded from the welfare contributions of members and support from the church.”
Community members also expressed joy at the initiative.
Chief Frank Onyekachi said he was able to buy several items cheaply and urged other churches to replicate the idea.
“How I wish other churches would do this. It will not only help people but also bring them closer to God,” he said.
Similarly, Miss Grace Ane described the fair as timely in view of the high cost of living, stressing that with the right partners, the initiative could be sustained.
The organisers assured that subsequent editions of ‘Jesus Market’ would be expanded to accommodate more residents and corporate partners.
