Fact-check: Did Bishop Oyedepo Announce that Federal Government Approved Airstrip Construction in Canaanland ?

By— Sultan Usman & Aminat Miskilu 

Claim:

Bishop Oyedepo announced that the federal government approved the construction of an airstrip in Canaanland, the headquarters of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, in Otta, Ogun State.

Verdict:

True, this assertion aligns with the video streamed live on YouTube Platform of the Living Faith Church.

Full Text:

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, announced to his congregation at the church’s Tehillah Night Special Edition in Canaanland, Otta, Ogun State, that the federal government approved the construction of a private airstrip on the church premises.

“I am sure you will be glad to know that the federal government has approved an airstrip for Canaanland,” Oyedepo said.

“I won’t need to fly a helicopter to the airport anymore. I can leave from here to wherever I’m going. Members with their planes will have somewhere to land and park.”

Although the federal government has not yet confirmed the approval, Oyedepo’s public announcement, along with his established credibility, makes the claim more believable.

The cleric also emphasized the project will be privately funded by the church, in line with its long-standing commitment to self-reliance and infrastructure development.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions online. Some congratulated the cleric, while others criticized both the church and the government, citing concerns about the implications of granting such privileges to religious organizations. This raises ethical and practical questions about the use of church resources and priorities.

Traditionally, churches focus on community service, spiritual growth, and outreach. Constructing a private airstrip may divert resources away from these core missions and could lead to the perception that the church is prioritizing luxury and convenience over the needs of its congregation and the local community.

Additionally, as a spiritual leader, Oyedepo’s pursuit of personal conveniences using church resources could be seen as contradicting values of humility and service.

However, there are potential benefits. Some have suggested that the airstrip could generate revenue for the church if opened to other users. This income could be reinvested into charitable initiatives or community programs. The airstrip might also enhance the church’s outreach, allowing greater connection with other organizations.

Critics have raised concerns about the government’s role in approving the project, suggesting it may lack transparency and prioritize private interests over community welfare. Approval without clear communication could set a precedent for similar projects, potentially neglecting the interests of local residents.

Some argue that the decision could reflect favouritism toward religious organizations, calling into question equal treatment under the law for all organizations and individuals.

Verification:

We used the Myaifactchecker tool to verify the claim, which led to the discovery of one top source validating the news, along with 19 additional sources linking to the original announcement video. The video was streamed by Living Faith Church Worldwide during their Tehillah Night Special Edition in Canaanland, Otta.

Conclusion:

The claim that Bishop Oyedepo announced that the federal government has approved the construction of an airstrip in Canaanland, Otta, is credible. Although the government has not yet issue an official confirmation to the public announcement made by Bishop Oyedepo.