Ruth NWORIE
The Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International and convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), Pastor Jerry Eze, has announced plans by the Jerry Eze Foundation to disburse a $300,000 empowerment grant to 100 young people.
Eze made the announcement in a video shared on his official social media platforms, where he disclosed that the initiative is aimed at supporting youths interested in agriculture, technology and manufacturing.
According to him, beneficiaries of the programme would receive at least $3,000 each to start or expand businesses in the selected sectors, adding that the entire process would be managed by a reputable international consulting firm to ensure transparency and accountability.
In a recent update, Pastor Eze said his friend, Tonye Cole, had decided to support the initiative by adding 20 more beneficiaries to the scheme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 120.
He added that with the additional support, the total fund for the programme has increased to $360,000, expressing gratitude to Cole for the gesture.
The video has since gone viral on social media, attracting thousands of views and mixed reactions from members of the public.
While some social media users welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude for the empowerment opportunity targeted at young people, others criticised the pastor, questioning the source of the funds and alleging that he earns significant income from online religious programmes.
There were also claims by some commentators linking the empowerment programme to politics, with suggestions that it may be connected to future political support for Tonye Cole, who was alleged to have added the extra beneficiaries.
However, no official statement has been issued to confirm the claim.
In the video, Pastor Eze described the grant as part of the foundation’s commitment to improving lives, noting that the initiative is focused on empowering individuals and contributing to economic development.
