Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, along with the Obigbo V1 of Okaka, His Royal Majesty (Dr.) Morris Itelimo, and the Okaka-Epie community, have praised the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya, and MFM Okaka Mega Axis for their ongoing social interventions in the state.
The commendations came during the recent launch of the MFM Bayelsa Mega Axis Foodmart, an initiative designed to provide affordable food items to residents, aimed at alleviating hunger and hardship.
Speaking at the event, Koku-Obiyai lauded the church for its significant contributions to the community through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, which include food distribution, evangelism, biblical teachings, deliverance prayers, and community development.
He highlighted that the MFM’s approach aligns with the Bayelsa State government’s ASSURED Agenda, particularly in areas of agricultural development and food security.
“The church has been instrumental in training our youth in agriculture, contributing to food security and job creation,” Koku-Obiyai said. “The Foodmart is a clear example of how MFM is working to reduce unemployment and support residents by offering essential food at significantly reduced prices.”
The event saw various food items, including rice, beans, garri, potatoes, cucumbers, vegetables, and palm oil, sold at discounted rates.
For instance, a custard of rice, typically sold for N8,000, was offered for just N3,500, while palm oil was sold for N600 per bottle. Koku-Obiyai expressed gratitude for these efforts, saying, “MFM Bayelsa’s commitment to serving humanity is truly commendable.”
Pastor Emmanuel Akinola, the Mega Regional Overseer of MFM Bayelsa, explained that the Foodmart initiative was part of the church’s broader mission under the Explosive Evangelism Initiative (EEI), aimed at meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of the community.
“In line with the mandate from Dr. Olukoya, we aim to meet the people’s needs and ease their suffering by providing essential food items at affordable prices,” Akinola stated.
The event also received praise from local leaders, including Rear Admiral John Jonah Gboribiogha, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, who described the church’s efforts as a demonstration of selfless service.
“The Foodmart is a vital contribution to the wellbeing of the community,” Gboribiogha said.
The chairman of the APC in Bayelsa, Hon. Dennis Otiotio, also acknowledged MFM’s holistic approach to addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of the people, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in promoting community welfare.
Mrs. Alice Allen, the women’s leader of the church and Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, expressed the joy of seeing families and individuals receive food and support, stating that bringing joy to people’s lives through such CSR programs is at the heart of MFM’s mission.
Looking ahead, Pastor Akinola confirmed that the Foodmart would be held quarterly, with the next event scheduled for July 2025.
Through these ongoing initiatives, MFM continues to play a key role in supporting the people of Bayelsa, fulfilling its commitment to both spiritual and community development.
