Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the approval of an airstrip for Canaanland, the city housing the headquarters of the evangelical megachurch Living Faith Church (LFC) Worldwide in Ota, Ogun State. Canaanland also houses among other institutions, the Covenant University, which is owned by the church.
Founder of the Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, was seen in a short video celebrating the development, telling the congregation of the latest government approval for the church.
Oyedepo announced this during the Tehillah Night Special Edition at Covenant University Chapel, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, on Sunday.
The Tehillah Night special edition was a special thanksgiving programme held in honour of the clergyman, who recently marked his 70th birthday in September.
Contacted, Media Aide to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, confirmed this development, saying the Minister approved the airstrip, saying: “Yes, the Minister approved the airstrip. It is a private airstrip and the Minister approved it, that I can confirm.”
According to Oyedepo, this development will enable him to travel directly from the church premises, eliminating the need to fly to the airport first.
He said: “I am sure you will be glad to know that the Federal Government has approved an airstrip for Canaanland.
“I won’t need to fly a helicopter to the airport. I can leave from here to wherever I am going. Members with their planes will have where to land and park.”
The airstrip reportedly aims to improve transportation for worshippers and visitors, especially during large events like the church’s programmes that draw numerous worshippers worldwide.
Oyedepo encouraged his congregation to find their place in God’s plan, citing Covenant University graduates who flew him as examples.
“Won’t you be glad to know that there are some captains who are graduates of Covenant University that fly me? We don’t have an aviation department here, but they found their place in God and went after it.
“That’s what this university is all about. It’s not about boxing you up. It’s about allowing you to locate God’s plan and pursue it accordingly. Young people, don’t play away your life. You don’t have a spare,” he said.
First published in The PUNCH