Adeboye Recalls How Michael Ibru Saved RCCG’s First Convention from Food Crisis

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has shared how the late business tycoon Chief Michael Ibru miraculously helped prevent a food crisis during the church’s very first convention—at a time when there were no funds to feed attendees.

Speaking during the July Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Arena in Shimawa, Ogun State, themed “Destined for Greatness – Part 3 (Helpers of Destiny),” Pastor Adeboye recounted the early days of RCCG’s camp meetings.

“I invited everyone to our new campground—just about 10 acres then—and announced they would be fed freely, two meals a day,” he said. “We were very rich—in faith,” he added jokingly.

However, the small amount of money available quickly ran out. Just when things were becoming critical, Chief Michael Ibru visited the camp and was shocked to see the crowd—about 3,000 to 4,000 people.

“He asked me, ‘Pastor, you mean you’re going to feed all these people?’ I said, ‘Yes sir, two meals per day.’ The next day, he sent us a container of fish,” Adeboye recalled.

At the time, the church couldn’t afford to buy cows, so they deboned and scrambled the fish into jollof rice, ensuring everyone had something to eat. “That singular act of generosity saved us. It was divine intervention—God using a helper of destiny,” he said.

Later at the RCCG headquarters in Ebute-Metta during the July thanksgiving and special prayer service, Pastor Adeboye spoke on “Divine Opportunities,” urging Nigerians not to ignore the doors God opens.

“Opportunity is a divine helper sent to enable you achieve God’s purpose. If you seize it, your life is made. If you miss it, it may never return,” he warned.

Quoting an old poem and African proverb, he said:
“Opportunity is like a man with plenty of hair in front and a bald back. If you don’t grab him as he approaches, once he passes, you’ll catch nothing.”

Joining virtually from Mount Carmel Prayer Village in Osun State, Adeboye prayed that no one present would miss their moment of breakthrough—especially in their finances and destiny.

Addressing reporters after the service, Pastor Oladele Balogun, RCCG Region 1 Overseer and Special Assistant to the General Overseer, urged Nigerian leaders to focus on research and creativity to unlock national opportunities.

“We have more than enough sun in Nigeria. We should stop complaining about electricity and start harnessing solar energy effectively,” he said.

Pastor Balogun also advised Nigerian youth to stop seeing relocation abroad as the only path to success.
“Many Nigerians are stranded overseas. Success isn’t location-based. Be prayerful and allow God to open your eyes to the opportunities around you—even in difficult times,” he said.

He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of how adversity can spark innovation, especially in the digital space.

During the programme, Pastor Adeboye offered special prayers for all sectors of Nigeria’s economy—public and private workers, business owners, job seekers, NYSC members, professionals, and trade unions—asking God to guide them in recognizing and maximizing divine opportunities.