By Nelson Utip
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, The Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) London says that the N15tr 700 -kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project of the Federal Government is an absolute necessity, anchoring his support for the road project on its strategic economic importance and location. He said about 60 percent of the businesses in Nigeria are located in Lagos alone, the Southwest, South – South and South -East regions, which he described as “Nigeria’s basin of wealth,” regrettably have impassable roads.
Ashimolowo observed that the coastal highway will decongest traffic on Lagos – Ibadan, Lagos – Ore expressways when completed and will fast-track movement of goods and persons and bring about accelerated growth and development in the South and rest of the country.
The renowned clergyman was addressing Journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State after delivering a sermon on Monday titled ” The mark of a good man,” at the 60th birthday celebration of the Founder and Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume.
He called on the Federal Government to repair other deplorable federal roads simultaneously, urging the government to minimize wastage in governance so as to make funds available for the poor and needy, recommending the Kenneysian economic model which entails government making companies to produce in excess while the government buys the surplus for distribution to the poor.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Will earn N1.67 Trillion From Lagos-Calabar Highway by 2039: Umahi
“Personally, I will actually favour that coastal road because 60 percent of businesses done in Nigeria are done in Lagos alone and the Southwest, South – South and South – East are the basin of Nigeria’s wealth yet the roads are impassable.
“I think it is anachronism that the previous government did road to Niger to bring little or nothing. I think the coastal road is a necessity as long as there is balance while they’re doing that(the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway), they are repairing the other ones also.
“People who seemed to be blessed should not leave everything to the government. You cannot close your bowel of mercy (to the have nots), there is need in the land, there is a lot challenges in the land. Nigeria is a funny place even if the prices of petrol and dollar come down, prices that have gone up may stay up. Reach out, touch somebody, bring out something even if you have to give them little here, little there. “And to our leaders, please do all you can to bring down the cost of governance.
Cut down the previous system of doing things. Look for ways to create some tightening of belts to help the needy, practice Kanesian economy, it is where government makes companies to over produce and the government buys the excess to give to the poor.” The clergyman said.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Will earn N1.67 Trillion From Lagos-Calabar Highway by 2039: Umahi
Ashimolowo described the celebrant, Achudume as a learner and teacher who bears the mark of a good man with God’s presence resting on him, as evidenced in his intimacy with God, saying that the grace of God radiates around Achudume.
In his speech, Achudume , the celebrant saw himself as a man helped by God and corroborated Ashimolowo’s position that he (Apostle Achudume) is someone who enjoys a special grace that keeps radiating around him.
“I am a man helped by God. I know where I’m coming from. I know where I would have been and I know where God has taken me.
“What would I say, but that God has helped me, that is the summary of my life.
“One thing I can remember is that the ifa oracle had told my great grand mother that the man( Lawrence Achudume) will not serve the God that they serve but will serve the white man’s God ( Christianity) and it began to work out.There are challenges on the way until we get to where we are.”
Achudume elaborated while acknowledging his family and congregation as his pillars of support.
” If my wife and church members had given me problem, I would have died by age 40. God has blessed me with wonderful people and I owe them a debt of love after the birthday celebration.”The celebrant said.
The occasion also witnessed the launching of the celebrant’s titled ” The man helped by God.”
