Federal Government Approves Construction of 1st Airstrip at Canaanland

By Samuel Timothy

A video currently circulating on Twitter has sparked excitement among members of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, after the church’s General Overseer, Bishop David Oyedepo, announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the construction of an airstrip at Canaanland, Ota.

In the video, which has garnered widespread attention online, Bishop Oyedepo joyfully shared the news with the congregation during a recent church service. He is quoted saying, “I am sure you will be glad to know that the Federal Government has approved an airstrip for Canaanland. You are walking in the centre of God’s plan, so I won’t need to fly a helicopter to the airport. I can go from here to wherever I want to go. Members with their planes would have where to land and park.”

The announcement has sparked excitement, especially within the church community. Bishop Oyedepo’s remarks highlight the practical benefits of the new airstrip for the church leadership and its members, many of whom travel to Canaanland for various activities, including the annual Shiloh convention, which attracts millions of people from around the world.

Believers in the church are pointing to the airstrip as a tangible example of God’s provision and favour. Many see it as part of God’s broader vision for the expansion of His kingdom on earth. Bishop Oyedepo’s words in the viral video, where he said, “You are walking in the centre of God’s plan,” resonate deeply with members who see the project as a miraculous advancement of the church’s mission.

The airstrip is not just a logistical convenience, it is symbolic of Christianity’s expansion and impact. The ability for members and visitors to fly directly into Canaanland, a global centre of worship, is perceived as a blessing from God, making it easier for people from around the world to gather, worship, and be transformed.

The airstrip will eliminate the need for Bishop Oyedepo and other church members with private jets to travel to nearby airports before making their way to the church’s headquarters. Instead, they will have the convenience of flying directly to Canaanland, simplifying travel logistics for both local and international visitors.

Just like every other development in Nigeria, reactions to the announcement have been mixed on social media. While members of the Living Faith Church are celebrating the development, some Twitter users have raised questions about the project, including its potential environmental impact and the role of public infrastructure in serving private interests. Although, church members see the airstrip as a divine blessing and further evidence that Canaanland is walking in God’s plan just as Bishop Oyedepo had pointed out in his statement; the airstrip will make travelling to the spiritual headquarters easier for worshippers and dignitaries, helping the church to expand its global reach and impact.

According to other media sources, the federal government’s approval for the airstrip is part of its ongoing efforts to promote infrastructural development across the country. The Canaanland airstrip will be strategically located within the sprawling campus of the church, which already boasts multiple facilities, including Covenant University, Faith Academy, and the Faith Tabernacle.

The airstrip will have a runway long enough to accommodate private jets and smaller commercial aircraft, allowing high-profile visitors to attend church events more conveniently. In addition to serving the church, the airstrip could also support tourism and economic activities in Ota and its surrounding communities.

The viral video of Bishop Oyedepo’s announcement has set the tone for what promises to be a significant milestone for the Living Faith Church. As the church grows and attracts millions of followers worldwide, the newly approved airstrip will enhance its logistical capabilities, making Canaanland even more accessible to its global audience.

While some questions linger regarding the broader implications of the project, for many, it represents another step toward fulfilling the church’s vision of making Canaanland a city of refuge and a hub for spiritual and economic transformation.