President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged clerics and influential figures in the Country to take a cue from the deliberate efforts of prominent cleric, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, in bolstering the fight against unemployment and poverty.
The remark was made at the inauguration and dedication of Adamimogo House, which houses Adamimogo 105.1 FM, The Light Hotel, and Event Centre owned by Prophet Olu-Alo.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, defended Prophet Olu-Alo’s venture into business by referencing how Paul, the apostle, was a lawyer and tentmaker who did not use evangelism as a money-making tool.
The minister noted that through his actions, Prophet Olu-Alo was making the current administration’s agenda to stamp out poverty, and encourage youth development easier.
“From the seat which I occupy, you are making my job a bit easier because I know that you are doing all of these to ensure that poverty is reduced and employment is created. I know that many jobs have been created by this, and poverty has been reduced,” Onyejeocha said.
The minister stated that the federal government is ready to partner with Prophet Sam Olu-Alo on job creation and poverty eradication. “So, the Federal Government of Nigeria is excited to say to you, keep doing what you have been doing. You are not only impacting the people but also the Federal Government of Nigeria, and you will because we are going to partner with you. You are changing the narratives, and we are thanking you for doing this. We shall be supporting you in any way we can,” she added.
In his remarks, Prophet Olu-Alo emphasised that the business ventures, especially the radio stations in Lagos, Ibadan and Ekiti were not for personal profit but a platform for talented youths to showcase themselves.
He stated, “All that I have been doing is to impact the lives of people, particularly the youths. I want to give them the platforms to showcase their God-given talents to better their lots. Whatever position God has placed you, it is to affect the lives of others positively. We should know that we have a limited time to spend on earth.”
He added, “I did not establish these businesses for personal profit but to reduce unemployment and fight poverty. I am using this platform to promote young talents, and I am proud that my business ventures encompassing media, football club, hotel, and events center have employed over 150 people.”
He also advised youths to invest heavily in youth vocational training programmes as well as youth driven agricultural initiatives.
Popular singer and Chairman of Fresh FM, Nigeria, Yinka Ayefele who acknowledged that the media business is not a quick profit business, attested to how Prophet Olu-Alo spared no expense in satisfying staff at his radio station in Lagos and now, Ibadan.
Attesting to the quality of staff, Ayefele revealed that he was recently tempted to poach from Adamimogo 93.1FM, Lagos but underplayed any rivalry between Adamimogo FM and Fresh FM.
Earlier, Pastor Isaac Olu Eyebiokin of CAC Essien Region of Ogun State and Benin Republic said the achievements of the Cleric -who is the Planter of CAC, Grace and Mercy Prayer Mountain was testament of his walk with God.
He urged the workers of the organization to be diligent, faithful, and dedicated to their duties.
A similar message was echoed by Chairman of the Planning Committee for the event and former Senior Special Assistant on job Creation, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede who expressed hopes that the business ventures would berth more businesses that would reduce unemployment in the country.
Aside the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Onyejeocha, the event was attended by the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori- Faboro, Veteran Broadcaster and former Ambassador to the Philippines, Amb. Yemi Farounbi, Comedian – Woli Agba, Music Minister, Bisi Alawiye, Sarah Praise among others.
Watch Yinka Ayefele’s performance at the event here.
