Pastor Joseph Omorinoye, General Overseer of the House of Prayer Assembly (Basilica) in Ilorin, Kwara State, distributed 1,000 bags of 10kg rice to church members yesterday to help alleviate the effects of Nigeria's current economic hardship.

Speaking during a Palm Sunday service at the church, Pastor Omorinoye stated that the rice distribution was part of an Easter gift package for members and a gesture to ease financial pressures. He emphasized that church members deserved special support for the upcoming Easter celebrations.

"I deem it necessary to assist my congregation in preparing for Easter, especially during these challenging economic times," he said.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Emmanuel Afolabi, said the rice gift came at the right time as he was expecting his relatives to come and celebrate Easter with him.

"I am the happiest man. I am expecting my family members from Lagos to come and celebrate with me and have been thinking on how to get money for rice. Thank God for Baba," he said.