Everything you Need to Know about the International Worship Centre

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Nigerians React As Akwa Ibom Unveils N32bn International Worship Centre

The construction of a mult-billion-naira International Worship Center built by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

the edifice, whose construction started in 2021 under the Udom Emmanuel administration, reportedly cost N32.3 billion naira. Former Governor Emmanuel, who built the church, had said it was of great significance to a state named after God and consisting of a 99% Christian population.

Emmanuel added that the building would be an altar that will perpetually draw God’s pleasure and blessings to the people of the state.

Following the development, residents of the state had faulted the rationale behind the project, labelling the project as a “misplaced priority”.

However, the state government dismissed the critics, saying they were hypocrites.

Although the former governor said the church would be completed at the end of 2022, the inauguration was moved to May 28, 2023.

In an X post on Tuesday, Govenror Umo Eno disclosed that government officials and other political stakeholders held a “Special Inter-denominational Thanksgiving/New Year Service” at the worship centre.

He wrote: “As we usher in the new year, I joined my wife, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Dr Akon Eyakenyi, members of the State Executive Council, and esteemed political stakeholders in a Special Inter-denominational Thanksgiving/New Year Service at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo.”

The post by the governor has sparked fresh criticisms on social media platforms with many criticising the rationale behind the construction.

See some of the reactions below.

@blisstip wrote: “Mr Governor, happy new year. While you are inaugurating the worship center, there is hunger in the land. This data is from the @WFP hunger map. What is the economic significance of this center?”

@christiptop wrote: “Sir this is a pure waste of resources. More than half of your citizens are living in poverty with majority of them still doing gateman and househelp in people’s homes.

“This money could have been channeled into poverty alleviation programs or into massive job creation projects. There are more than enough church buildings in your state with are mostly empty on Sundays. Mega is not what the state requires. No offence meant.”

Front view photo of the N32bn Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre

Front view photo of the N32bn Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre

Photo of the N32bn Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre

Side view photos of the N32bn Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre

“A banker, a capitalist, an economist. You are empty. If I ever become a governor I’ll convert that waste of space to a business center or a mall. Unam ikot.”

This is what you Could budget…a whole State 32billion for? Tax payers money…. 

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Design and construction at the new Uyo Central Business District

International Worship Centre

With distinctive architectural features and situated on a 9.5 hectares land, the International Worship Centre in Uyo redefines its Udo Udoma Avenue Layout location. The first of its kind in Akwa Ibom, this modern multipurpose facility is aimed at providing a befitting place for religious type events for the people of the state and its government. It has the capacity to accommodate 5,500 visitors and its 45,600m² size podium is sizable enough to host international gatherings.

Being executed by Julius Berger, the turnkey construction includes a tower of a height of 49.36m above existing ground level, a reinforced concrete super-structure with steel space frame roof support and aluminium covering. The external wall is cladded with glass aluminium façade and plaster works. The tiled floors inside are abutted by plastered and painted walls, while the roof is partially covered with suspended ceilings.

The power supply, a water and sewage treatment systems are located in separate buildings on the outskirts of the plot.

9,000 m²

Building footprint

5,500

Siting capacity

45,600 m²

Podium area

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