Primate Ayodele crashes price of rice for Ekiti residents
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Founder and Spiritual Leader of INRI Evangelical and Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, has disclosed plans for an upcoming visit to his country home of Ekiti State during which he intends to continue his initiative of selling rice at discounted prices for the people.
The Servant of the Most High God announced that the visit, slated for 26th April 2024, will see a bag of rice selling for N20,000 with a half bag going for N10,000.
Primate Ayodele stressed that his decision to embark on this venture was motivated by what he perceives as divine guidance.
Ayodele, while defending his actions, asserted that doing so was a motivation from a higher calling.
He expressed a belief that directing funds to technocrats, religious leaders, and traditional rulers would have been a more effective strategy than allocating resources to politicians, as these groups are better equipped to identify those in need.
In addition to his rice-selling initiative, the INRI leader delved into discussions about agricultural production, advocating for the adoption of mechanised farming practices and the establishment of more rice mills in Nigeria.
He also expressed skepticism regarding the anticipated impact of the Dangote refinery on the Nigerian economy, emphasizing the importance of domestic crude oil processing to address petrol-related issues.
Ayodele proposed alternative strategies for government intervention, suggesting that instead of distributing cash directly to individuals, authorities should invest in purchasing more food to stabilize prices.
He envisioned the creation of a government market to facilitate this endeavour, aiming to reach 200 to 250 people with his efforts in Ekiti State.
In anticipation of his visit to the state, the Primate reiterated commitment to his humanitarian cause, emphasising the importance of taking proactive steps to alleviate the hardships faced by vulnerable communities.
Despite potential criticisms, he remains resolute in his belief that his actions are guided by divine inspiration and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society.
Hear him, “I will be in Ekiti state on the 26th and I will do the same thing there. A bag of rice will go for N20,000 and a half bag will go for N10,000. We are the first to do it and I’m sorry to say this before they say I am too proud but that’s what happens when God inspires you as the first person to do such a thing.
“The government failed in the palliatives. They failed because they were not supposed to give the money to politicians but to technocrats, religious leaders, and traditional rulers; they would have identified the people who needed it better,” Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele said.
