By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) has unveiled a N2.5 billion investment aimed at boosting agricultural production, expanding evangelism, and fostering economic sustainability within the church community.
The Bishop, United Methodist Church UMCN and Episcopal Area covering Nigeria, Liberia and Senegal District, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, announced the initiative during the official launching held at the UMCN Negatavah, Jalingo, describing it as a statement of faith, a strategic plan, and a legacy for generations to come.”
He outlined the four main objectives of the initiative to include, reducing over-dependence on offerings,
Build lasting financial sustainability, Improve the economic well-being of members and Create job opportunities, especially for the youths.
“Through agricultural production, value addition and strategic partnership, the Church will create ongoing streams of income that will fund ministry, missions and community development without constant financial strain.
“We will equiped members with training, access to market and employment opportunities ensuring that that their families enjoy economic security and dignity. The prosperity of the Church must be shared prosperity.
The Bishop explained that the agricultural component will include the cultivation of 60 hectares of rice farms, the establishment of cattle fattening operations, a piggery project, and the acquisition of 100 hectares of land.
“I pray that those who will handle the equipments, will use them for profit making for the Church.
According to him, these efforts aim to reduce dependence on offerings, promote financial self-reliance, improve members’ economic well-being, and create job opportunities for youths.
“We will establish the best Rice processing mill in Taraba State, so that we will not need to take our Rice anywhere for processing. We will put it in our Sacks and sale it in our market.
On the evangelism front, the bishop said the funds will support church growth, development, and the establishment of new places of worship in Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions.
He commended church members for their unwavering support and urged them to sustain their commitment to the mission of the church.
In a brief exhortation, the Dean of Cabinet Affairs, Rev. Philip Micah Dopah, encouraged members to be industrious and steadfast in supporting the church’s growth and development initiatives.
He called on members to remain united and embrace sincerity in all their dealings. He reminded the congregation that heaven and hell are real, warning that anyone who misuses church resources will face God’s judgment.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, appreciated the Bishop of the United Methodist Church for it’s foresight in coming up with the initiative.
“This Church is doing the right thing towards our thinking.
He announce that Jalingo local government through its Skills acquisition center will train women and youths of the Church free of charge.
He appeal to the public to remain peaceful with each other.
“We should love ourselves and live peacefully with one another.
He appeal to the Church for their support and promise to assist them which way possible.
Also speaking, the Director of the Yambasu Agricultural Initiative, Dr. Patrick K. Kefas, stressed that the distributed items are not palliatives and should never be personalized or taken for granted.
“We ought to not that the main reasons for the establishment of the Yambasu Agricultural Initiative is to, Improve food security, Empowering Farmers, Sustainable Practices, Capacity Building and Community Development.
“The Yambasu Agricultural Initiative supports community development by creating jobs, improving market access, promoting entrepreneurship, build the capacity of episcopal areas and annual conferences to manage funding, develop revenue streams and seek additional funding.
He added that the initiative is aims are, to enhance food security, promote self-reliance amongst African communities by optimizing land and human resources through agriculture, provide grants and training to farmers that enables them to develop new agricultural projects, improve crop yields and increase household incomes.
“In keeping with the objectives of the program, it is expected that beneficiaries will do everything possible to ensure proper use of the resources given to them and take every step to liase with the officials of the program for better results.
“You must note that this is a grant giving to facilitate your agricultural pursuit and not a war booty to be shared and forget about.
He said that the ability of beneficiaries to live up to terms will guarantee the sustainability of the project and further expand to benefit others.
He warn that consequences awaits any reason, a person or group of persons should not divert the funds and proceeds intended for the purpose without resources to Global Ministries.
In his words, the Guest Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Abba Tukur, Galadimama and District Head of Jalingo, praised the bold steps of the Bishop, describing them as visionary and worthy of full member support. He urged that anyone found misusing the church’s resources should face appropriate disciplinary measures and called for peace among members and beyond.
Special guests at the event included the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University (ably represented), the Provost of the College of Agriculture, Prof. Nicolas, and Rector of Taraba State Polytechnic.
Commissioned items included:
✅ 2 brand new tractors
✅ 12 brand new motorcycles ️
✅ 2 Toyota Highlanders
✅ Computers and printers for faster communication ️
Agricultural Ventures:
60 hectares of rice farming (wet and dry seasons)
Cattle fattening for quality beef production
Piggery for income diversification
100 hectares of land reserved for present and future projects
Evangelism Focus:
✝ Strengthening church growth nationwide
Planting new churches in the South-South and South-East regions
Deploying well-equipped local missionaries
Living out the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world
The historic programme ended with songs of praise, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to both faith and community development.