In a statement that has put to rest recent rumors, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, confirmed that the license for the airstrip owned by Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, will not be revoked. This announcement comes after reports surfaced suggesting that the church’s airstrip license might be in jeopardy. The church, which has been at the center of various controversies over the years, has now received reassurance from the government regarding its airstrip’s future.
Keyamo’s Assurance
During a press briefing, Festus Keyamo categorically addressed the media and the public, stating that there were no plans to withdraw the airstrip license granted to Winners Chapel. He clarified that the license, which was initially granted to the church for the purpose of running a private airstrip for their aircraft, remained valid.
Keyamo’s statement came in response to concerns raised by several media outlets and individuals questioning the legality and compliance of the airstrip with Nigerian aviation laws. However, the Minister affirmed that the church’s airstrip had met all regulatory requirements, and there was no legal basis for the revocation of the license.
The Controversy Around the Airstrip
The Winners Chapel airstrip has long been a subject of debate in Nigerian media and political circles. Critics of the church, led by Bishop David Oyedepo, have questioned the necessity and legality of such an airstrip. The church’s decision to build and operate an airstrip was seen by some as excessive, especially considering the state of infrastructure in various parts of the country. Many felt that the church, which is one of Nigeria’s largest and wealthiest religious institutions, should focus on addressing social issues rather than owning a private airstrip.
In contrast, supporters of the church argue that the airstrip is a practical necessity, given the large number of congregants that attend the church’s services, conferences, and events. The Living Faith Church, which is headquartered in Ota, Ogun State, attracts thousands of worshippers to its various programs, and an airstrip would make transportation to and from the church easier for bishops, ministers, and other key figures in the ministry.
Government’s Position on Religious and Private Airstrips
In his address, Keyamo also explained that the Nigerian government had no issues with private individuals or organizations owning airstrips, provided they adhered to the rules and regulations set by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). According to the Minister, the government’s priority is to ensure that all airstrips, whether private or commercial, operate within the confines of the country’s aviation laws to guarantee aviation safety and compliance with international standards.
The Role of Winners Chapel’s Airstrip in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry
The Living Faith Church airstrip, often referred to as the Winners Chapel Airstrip, has also been seen as a symbol of the growing influence of mega-churches in Nigeria, particularly in their use of resources for infrastructure and development. The church’s airstrip serves not only as a means of transportation for church leaders and dignitaries but also as a representation of the church’s success and influence in the country.
In the broader context, the airstrip also highlights the evolving relationship between religious organizations and the Nigerian government. While religious groups have long played an important role in Nigerian society, their increasing involvement in infrastructure development has raised questions about the intersection of faith-based initiatives and government regulation.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
The government’s decision to allow religious institutions like Winners Chapel to operate airstrips, as long as they comply with regulations, shows a shift towards recognizing the importance of private sector involvement in infrastructure development. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) plays a central role in ensuring that all airstrips, including those operated by private individuals or organizations, meet safety standards and are registered appropriately.
Keyamo emphasized that the NCAA had conducted all necessary checks to ensure that the Winners Chapel airstrip was compliant with aviation regulations, and thus, there was no reason for it to be shut down. He also reassured the public that any airstrip that followed the proper procedures would continue to operate as long as they remained in line with national aviation policies.
No Threat to the Airstrip’s License
The statement from Festus Keyamo has laid to rest any rumors regarding the Winners Chapel airstrip and its license status. The Minister’s clarification signals that the Nigerian government has no intention of withdrawing the church’s airstrip license, and that the church has complied with the necessary regulations set forth by aviation authorities.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding the necessity and implications of religious organizations owning private airstrips, it is clear that the government is supportive of ensuring that all airstrips, public or private, operate safely and legally. As the situation stands, Winners Chapel can continue to operate its airstrip without fear of interference from the Nigerian government, provided it maintains adherence to aviation standards.
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