By Akpan David, Calabar
Faithful in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star whose international headquarters is in Calabar, are reported to expend, at least, N20.5m to transporters to convey them from their different states in southern Nigeria to attend a weeklong religious event in Calabar.
The Leader of the spiritual organisation is His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu.
It is also learnt that adherents of the spiritual organisation in other northern states have also converged in the city n several chartered buses for same spiritual exercises that would climax at U.J. Esuene Stadium Calabar on Sunday.
According to the spokesman of the organisation, Patriarch Christ Shepherd Ama William, faithful from Ghana, Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone had arrived in large numbers two days ago in long buses.
“We have our brethren from other African countries as well as United States of America, the United Kingdom and other Western nations who are also in Calabar for the mega event tagged Divine Numbering of the Elects.
“As I speak to you, all the hotels and guest houses in Calabar South area have been fully booked by our brethren coming for this highly spiritual event. This is because our own facilities, includingnour other worship centers in Calabar are all overstretched. “
The organisation is reported to have heavy concentrations of worshippers in most of the southern states, especially Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Rivers, the five eastern states, Abuja and the Western states, according to the spokesman.
He agreed that humongous amount would be expended on transportation by their members in view of the absolute importance of the event.
He said, “Transporters, hoteliers, restaurateurs, shipowners, tailors are smiling to the banks. Other business owners in the neighborhood of our world headquarters are equally overwhelmed presently with turnovers.”
Two members from Ogun State and Lagos spoken to, Samuel James and Bishop David Ola respectively confirmed that between both states they have paid over N3m for the five buses chartered.
“One of the long buses that brought us from Ogun State charged us N550,000. Two other buses have also arrived. Their own charges are different.”
One of the worshippers from Abuja, Sister Eno Brown said each member of their group numbering 500, contributed N20,000 for transport, adding that at least two coaster buses are in the city.
One of the drivers from Ogun State, Jimoh Ojo frowned at the money charged saying it was not commensurate with what he has expended for fuel, repairs and stress.
He lamented that nothing would remain for him.
Commissioner for commerce in the state, Rosemary Archibong said the influx of the faithful would definitely boost economic activities and enrich business owners in the state capital.
