In a touching act of compassion and social responsibility, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has once again demonstrated the true meaning of ministry beyond the pulpit. During voice of the resilient symposium held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), the revered cleric donated N2 million to support students living with disabilities and battling sickle cell anemia.
The event, themed around youth empowerment, inclusion, and innovation, took an emotional turn when Primate Ayodele announced the donation, describing it as a divine mandate to uplift those often ignored by society. The gesture was met with loud applause and tears of gratitude from students, staff, and invited guests.
“These students don’t need pity they need opportunity, support, and love,” Primate Ayodele declared. “As a church, we are not just called to pray but to act. We must stand with those who feel forgotten.”
His remarks resonated deeply, especially within the context of Nigeria’s growing struggle to provide adequate care for people living with disabilities (PWDs) and those suffering from sickle cell disorder. Despite existing laws such as the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, implementation remains weak. Many persons living with disabilities still face discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare.
Similarly, sickle cell anemia a hereditary blood disorder affecting over 150,000 newborns annually in Nigeria, according to the World Health Organization continues to claim lives due to poor awareness, inadequate medical support, and stigmatization. Many young sufferers face exclusion from opportunities simply because of their health condition.
Primate Ayodele’s intervention, therefore, stands as both a spiritual and moral challenge to government agencies, faith-based organizations, and wealthy Nigerians to prioritize social inclusion and medical welfare for vulnerable citizens. His N2 million donation will reportedly go toward medical assistance, mobility aids, academic materials, and general welfare for the beneficiaries.
Representatives of YABATECH and the students expressed profound appreciation, describing the act as “life-changing and inspiring.” Many noted that it was the first time such targeted financial aid had been directed to students with special needs in the institution.
Beyond financial empowerment, Primate Ayodele offered prophetic counsel and motivational encouragement, urging the students to see their condition not as a limitation but as a pathway to divine greatness.
“You are not less than others. You are special, chosen to show that strength and success can emerge from struggle,” he told the audience.
The symposium also underscored the urgent need for collaboration between faith institutions, academic communities, and the government to create more inclusive learning environments across Nigeria.
As Primate Ayodele continues to demonstrate what proactive faith leadership should look like, other churches and Christian organizations must also go beyond sermons to deliver tangible acts of compassion and empowerment. His consistent focus on helping the underprivileged whether through scholarships, business grants, or medical outreach has made his ministry a model of faith in action.
As Nigeria battles rising inequality and social neglect, the prophet’s message rings louder than ever: compassion should not be seasonal or selective it should be a national culture.
“True religion is not in words but in works. If every church, mosque, or political office takes one step to lift the vulnerable, Nigeria will be a better country,” Primate Ayodele said.
Through this symbolic act, the man of God has once again reminded both the government and the Christian community that humanitarian service is the truest form of worship, and that supporting people with disabilities and sickle cell warriors is not charity it is justice.
