The construction of a multi-billion-naira International Worship Centre by the Akwa Ibom State Government has sparked widespread controversy, with various reactions questioning the rationale behind the massive project.
Initiated under the Udom Emmanuel administration in 2021, the edifice is reported to cost N32.3 billion.
Former Governor Udom Emmanuel justified the construction, citing its significance to a state named after God with a 99% Christian population. He envisioned the building as an altar perpetually drawing God’s favor and blessings to the people of the state, and the inauguration, initially slated for the end of 2022, was later moved to May 28, 2023.
Despite the governor’s justifications, residents have criticized the project, labeling it a “misplaced priority.” The state government has dismissed the critics as hypocrites.
Governor Umo Eno recently disclosed a “Special Inter-denominational Thanksgiving/New Year Service” held at the worship center, reigniting criticisms on social media platforms. Many questioned the economic significance of the project, pointing to prevailing issues like hunger and poverty in the state.
Reactions on social media include:
– @blisstip: “Mr Governor, happy new year. While you are inaugurating the worship center, there is hunger in the land. What is the economic significance of this center?”
– @christiptop: “Sir, this is a pure waste of resources. This money could have been channeled into poverty alleviation programs or into massive job creation projects.”
– @Ebobae_Okoli: “Omo, you just wasted 36B on a project that doesn’t contain up to 50,000 capacity. That’s fraudulent. There are things you don’t use God’s name to do. This is one of it.”
– @platidoe: “This is what you could budget… a whole State 32 billion for? Taxpayers’ money. Karma will find its root soon.”
– @wilexmaze: “You categorically said that there’s no money in Akwa Ibom state to continue The Ibom Tropicana project, yet you spent billions putting up this, to the benefit of no one but you.”
The controversy continues to grow, with citizens questioning the allocation of resources in the face of pressing social and economic challenges.