The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Saturday criticised Nigerian pastors who travel abroad to host revival programmes, describing such trips as a “pleasure” rather than genuine evangelism.

Speaking during a special empowerment programme he hosted over the weekend, the outspoken cleric questioned the motive behind frequent revival meetings in the United States and other foreign countries.

“Going to America to do revival is a lie,” he said. “Why can’t you go to the camp of witches and wizards to convert them? Going to America is a pleasure.”

Primate Ayodele argued that true evangelism should focus on reaching people in difficult and spiritually challenging environments, rather than organising high-profile programmes overseas.

The event, however, was not just about strong words. It also served as a major empowerment outreach, during which the cleric distributed about five cars to journalists and members of his church.

Several beneficiaries also received financial support for house rent and scholarships to cover their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees. Others went home with household items including deep freezers, beds, television sets, washing machines and sewing machines, among other gifts.

Explaining the motivation behind his philanthropy, Primate Ayodele said giving is a personal mission he cannot ignore.

“What informed my philanthropy is because it’s my mission. If I don’t do it, I won’t feel good. If I put clothes in the wardrobe, someone else will wear them when I die. So I don’t keep money; I don’t have to keep money when people are suffering,” he said.

He added that as a pastor, he believes in practising what he preaches.
“As a pastor, you follow what you preach. It is what I preach that I am demonstrating. It’s just common sense,” he stated.

The cleric has consistently positioned himself as an advocate of practical Christianity, often backing his sermons with large-scale humanitarian gestures aimed at supporting both church members and members of the wider community.