Nigerians react as Akwa Ibom unveils 8,500 seating-capacity worship centre same day largest syringe factory folds up

The coincidence that the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing (JSM) Company in Awa, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom ended its operations same day the government unveiled a multi-billion naira Christian worship centre, has sparked reactions from netizens.

Construction of the 8,500 seating-capacity worship centre commenced in 2019 by the former governor, Udom Emmanuel but unveiled by the current governor, Eno Umoh.

The syringe company which started operations in 2017, halted production on December 31, 2023 over what the company called harsh economic environment.

The halting of operations of the company is coming the same day the government unveiled the multibillion naira Christian worship centre.

Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, who built the church, had said it was of great significance to the state, adding that the building would be an altar that will perpetually draw God’s pleasure and blessings.

But netizens disagree, especially because the opening of the worship centre coincides with the folding up of the syringe factory.

@MisPearls said: “Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing company in Akwa Ibom has packed up citing challenging business situations. Meanwhile the Gov just newly commissioned an International Worship Centre. Well, just mount hot praise and worship at the worship center, the company will be restored!”

@InibeheEffiong said: “Instead of building viable industries to lift the teeming youths out of poverty, the rotten and corrupt political class in Akwa Ibom would rather dissipate billions of Naira on a senseless Worship Centre that does not glorify God. They know that if the youths are gainfully employed, they will not be celebrating their rottenness and mediocrity. A man that is gainfully employed will not be dancing before politicians for peanuts.”

@firstladyship said: “You have ExxonMobil in Eket. But just a handful of Akwa Ibomites work there. There is high unemployment in Akwa Ibom, but a massive Dolphin shaped Worship Center is more important to the governors. The politicians & Religion are the biggest weapons fashioned against Nigerians.”

@kelvin__ig said: “God really cannot be mocked. Imagine spending $32m on this and call it a “church.” Instead of a revenue generating center like the 02 arena. Akwa Ibom would have made so much money + jobs because they also have good roads + clean airport for easy Lagos-AK trips.”