LEADING evangelical ministry the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has asked its members for N150m (£500,000) to enable it complete the construction of a multi-million naira children's amusement park along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

One of Nigeria's wealthiest churches, RCCG has a presence in several facets of the economy and its leader, Pastor Enoch Adeboye is one of Nigeria's wealthiest millionaires. In September this year, Pastor Adeboye commenced the building of Nigeria's first ever private airport as part of a massive investment programme that involves him building another massive Redemption Camp site.

 Pastor Adeboye, 73, is one of Nigeria's most influential clergymen with a passionate following that runs into millions. So influential is the clergyman that successive Nigerian governments have sought his support, British prime minister David Cameron attends his London church seminars and the likes of Forbes have had to acknowledge his clout.

 Known as pastorprueners, Nigeria's millionaire clergymen have been criticised for turning Christianity into a commercial venture. In a bid to give something back, however, Pastor Adeboye has decided to build the amusement park, although it is not yet clear if it will be priced cheaply so the church's members can afford it.

 Folu Adeboye, the pastor's wife, who initiated project, revealed that about N500m (£1.66m) has been spent on the scheme and has asked for financial support from well-meaning members of the church to complete it. She added that about N150m is still needed to install CCTV cameras, gaming machines, toilet facilities and other features at the park.

According to Mrs Adeboye no ministry has embarked on this kind of project before, pointing out that the essence is to enable children be balanced both spiritually and physically. She added that the facility would be available for schools and families who want to visit the place for relaxation.