Very Rev. Danji Dave, President of Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC), says the church has planned to empower its clergy with entrepreneurship skills in a bid to promote self-sufficiency and economic growth.
The ERCC President made the disclosure in a briefing with journalists on Tuesday at the headquarters of the church in Alushi, Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA).
According to him, the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to equip clergy with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish and manage their businesses.
He said that it is aimed to strategically empower them to reduce dependence on the church for financial support.
Rev. Dave explained that the current economic situation in the country necessitated the plan, with the goal of ensuring that clergy can live a comfortable life and provide for their families.
He added that in addition to the entrepreneurship training program, the church had implemented a viable retirement plan for retiring Reverends and Pastors.
“Every retired Reverend and Pastogetset their gratuity immediately to enable them to start new ventures and enjoy their retirement.
“We have also ensured timely payment of pension to the retired clergy, with payments made on the 24th of every month,” he said.
He further said that the church under his leadership has strengthened its evangelism efforts to win more souls for God, amidst rising vices, immorality, and crime in society.
“Under my tenure alo,ne we have ordained over 260 Pastors to ensure that the gospel spread to a. We will continue to build the capacity of our clergy through training,” he said.
He highlighted the church’s efforts to transform its health facilities and academic institutions to make them functional and beneficial to both the community and the church.
The president said when he assumed office in 2019, the church declared a state of emergency at the Madam Hills Secondary School and Medical Centre Alushi, all in Akwanga LGA, with an N50 million intervention.
He said that they have also constructed a shopping mall in Lafia to improve its revenue base, with plans to build more in other local government areas of Nasarawa and Kaduna States.
Regarding the current economic hardship in Nigeria, Rev. Dave urged the government to reassess its policies, which have contributed to the situation.
He commended the Federal and
Nasarawa State Governments for the recent gains made by security agencies and appealed for sustained efforts to defeat bandits, terrorists, and other criminals. (NAN).