President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and
founder of Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has joined the
league of Nigerian preachers who own private jets
Oritsejafor’s jet, marked N431CB,
was displayed to him on a large screen, on Saturday, at the celebration of his
40th year on the pulpit, which held at the Word of God Bible Church in
Warri, Delta State.
Pastors David Oyedepo of Winners
Chapel, Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Sam Adeyemi
of Daystar Christian Centre, had since purchased private jets.
The announcement of the jet at the
occassion by one of the pastors was greeted with a loud ovation.
The Challenger 601, which is a
heavy jet that seats up to 10 passengers, has a range of 3,900 nautical miles
with a full enclosed lavatory and a flight attendant for additional comfort.
The luxurious and spacious cabin of the Challenger 601 is perfect to conduct
meetings or simply relax.
The jubilant congregation spent
over 15 minutes congratulating one another even as the recipient did not make
any comment on the jet said to have been purchased for him by the church.
In March, 2011, David Oyedepo, a
Nigerian cleric generally believed to be Africa’s wealthiest gospel preacher,
acquired a Gulfstream V jet for US$30 million.
Pastor Adeyemi, another cleric and
founder of the Daystar Christian Centre, a flourishing Pentecostal congregation
which repeatedly preaches financial prosperity, is also a jet owner.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck
Jonathan has again urged Nigerians to be steadfast and seek strength in the
country’s diversity despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation.
President Jonathan stated this in
Warri as a special guest at the 40th anniversary celebration of the President
of Christian Association of Nigeria and Founder, Word of God Bible Ministry,
Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor,
Jonathan said that the country
would overcome her challenges if the people would draw positively on their
areas of strength.
The president, who waited patiently
as the programme lasted, also extolled the virtues of Pastor Oritsejafor,
stressing that since he started his ministration 40 years ago, he had steered
the course and remained steadfast to his callings.