The Foursquare Gospel Church, on Monday, said it had offered relief materials to the victims of Benue killings in line with its mission.

Kehinde Lawanson, an executive member of the church’s 70th anniversary planning committee, stated this during a news conference in Lagos on Monday, announcing activities for the anniversary.

The anniversary will take place from July 21 to 27.

The anniversary, titled ’70 Years of Complete Gospel’, would feature a Colour Parade, School Quiz Competition, and Word Exposition.

Other activities are the exhibition, Special Blast Youth Connect, Praise Party, award and gala night, and the grand finale on July 27.

Mr Lawanson said that the fund given to assist the victims of the killings in Benue and some flood-affected areas in Nigeria came from the international body.

“Humanitarian services have been central to the church’s mission and will advance such initiatives after the anniversary. It is regrettable that the persecution of the gospel in society has reached an extent that in some areas you cannot buy land for the purpose of building a church,” he said.

He said that with 5,000 of its church branches spread across Nigeria, the anniversary would rekindle the evangelism fire in the youths to further extend the gospel to all corners of Nigerian society, despite persecution.

Mr Lawanson said that the church, in every sphere of its operation, would align with civil authorities.

He appealed to state actors to prioritise the security of life and property to dissuade violent acts that render the people homeless.

The executive member urged the public to attend the various anniversary activities, saying that every event has something unique for everyone to learn from.

(NAN)