Jesus de Greatest: Businessman Unveils 'Largest Statue of Jesus Christ' In Africa

4099319
A business leader in Nigeria paid for what he considers to be the largest statute of Jesus Christ to be built on the continent of Africa, perhaps the world. The statute was unveiled on Jan. 1, 2016. It overlooks St. Aloysius Catholic Church in the mainly Christian village of Abajah. Facebook

A Nigerian businessman unveiled what he believes is Africa's largest statue of Jesus, describing it as a symbol of peace in a country wracked by Islamist insurgency. Obinna Onuoha commissioned the nearly 30-foot tall "Jesus de Greatest" statue in 2013, hiring a Chinese company to carve it from white marble.

Standing barefoot with arms outstretched, the 40-ton statue towers over St. Aloysius Catholic Church in the mainly Christian village of Abajah in Nigeria's southeastern state of Imo, reports Vanguard news.

Onuoha, 43-year-old chief executive officer of an oil and gas distribution company, said, "Definitely pilgrims will come."

More than 100 priests and hundreds of Catholic worshippers attended statue's unveiling on New Year's Day, reports the Daily Mail.

Nigeria, Africa's largest country with 170 million people, is split between a more prosperous Christian south and a poor Muslim north.

More than 17,000 people have been killed in Islamist group Boko Haram's six-year quest to create an independent state but the violence has been mainly confined to Nigeria's Muslim-majority north, according to local news reports. "We think religions can exist side-by side. We hope that people can live in harmony," Onuoha said.

He said he has been wanting to build the giant statute since 1997, after his elderly mother fell seriously ill and then "made him promise" he would build a church if she survived. He built the 2,000-capacity church in Abajah during 2012, and now also placed the "Jesus de Greatest" statue there. He reportedly timed the statue's unveiling to coincide with his parents' 50th wedding anniversary.

"It will remind them of the importance of Jesus Christ," said Okwuoma.

"This statue is a great symbol of Christian faith, and I pray that for the Catholics that the statue will continue to constantly remind us of what Jesus Christ stands for us," said Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, who performed the unveiling ceremony.

"For other passersby, looking at the statue will also bring them closer to Jesus," the bishop said.

"Asking why I constructed this statue is like asking how I came to this world, I am a Christian and a Catholic and Jesus statue represents my faith," Okwuoma told the News Agency of Nigeria.

"I believe we are here on earth for different purposes and each person moves with his or her instincts, and I was motivated to do this to build up the faith of this community."

The cost of the statue has not been revealed. The Jesus statue is heavier than the 66-foot Ramesses II Abusimbel statue in Egypt, reports NigerianEye.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.