Popular social media commentator and influencer Solomon Buchi has come to the defense of Bishop David Oyedepo’s ambitious "Ark Project", a 100,000-seat auditorium for the Living Faith Church, in the face of mounting criticism over its cost.

The project has sparked debate nationwide, particularly as the country grapples with economic hardships.

Critics, including pastor Abel Damina, argue that the massive expenditure prioritizes grandeur and spectacle over addressing the pressing spiritual and social needs of congregants.

In response, Oyedepo emphasized that no forced offerings were collected for the project and that it has generated thousands of jobs, benefiting the local economy.

Buchi reinforced this position, highlighting the extensive infrastructure efforts of pastors like Oyedepo and urging the Nigerian government to demonstrate equal seriousness in delivering essential amenities such as electricity and water.

“If the Nigerian government provided amenities the way pastors take their jobs seriously, Nigeria would be a much better place.” Solomon Buchi said.

Social media reactions have been sharply divided. Many Nigerians echoed Buchi’s frustration with governance failures. Others, however, argued that wealthy pastors should contribute more directly to social services, especially given churches’ tax-exempt status and the widening wealth disparities that fuel public skepticism.

See some comments and the video below

@SIR_BULLS___"Very soon the only thing left in this country will be churches here and there. Instead of building infrastructures, good roads, schools and hospitals they are more concerned about building churches. Every street in Nigeria has more than 10 churches."

@grace_jokie__"Honestly, there’s some truth in that. If governments across Africa took public service as seriously as some pastors take ministry, a lot of things would work better. But at the same time, accountability should apply to everyone both government and religious institutions."

@OB_Commentary___"This one is a fool. We shouldn’t care what comes out of his stinking mouth. How many taxes are these people paying ? Also you go to America and praise them, do you think every development is done by the government?

Without Dangote Refinery do you know how much we will be buying fuel ? That’s what private investment brings to the country, not building rubbish churches that provide zero value to the state."

@LyfAcrosBorders___"The debate shifted from just criticism to a broader national argument about values and priorities—why private religious bodies can build massive facilities while everyday Nigerians live with failing public infrastructure, poverty, and insecurity. That’s why comments from him continue to spread: they tap into something people already feel about government gaps vs private power."

@Michael_Bello1___"I agree with you Buchi 100%, people quickly channeled their anger towards Pastors. Bishop is an Outstanding Man of God, he stood and still standing with the people... Some people are just agent of darkness and nothing will change their mind because darkness is their light."

“If the Nigerian government provided amenities the way pastors take their jobs seriously, Nigeria would be a much better place.” — Solomon Buchi reacts to criticisms surrounding the “Ark Project” auditorium built by David Oyedepo
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— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) March 15, 2026