A viral video showing the arrival of Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the General Overseer of The Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, in Owerri, Imo State, has become a major talking point on Nigerian social media. The cleric was captured alighting from a helicopter, greeted by a jubilant crowd of church members, sparking a wave of mixed reactions focused on his mode of transport and his outfit.
Helicopter Welcome for Mgbidi 2026 Crusade
The footage, which was posted on the church's official TikTok page on January 5, 2026, quickly amassed over 73,000 views. According to the church, Pastor Muoka's visit to Owerri was in preparation for the highly anticipated 2026 Mgbidi crusade. The church's caption celebrated the "Arrival of the anointed servant of God," marking his entry to the crusade venue.
In the video, members of the congregation, easily identifiable in their signature green aprons, enthusiastically received their spiritual leader at the airport. Some held up cardboard placards with welcoming messages, creating a scene of high excitement and devotion as the helicopter landed.
Netizens Question the Missing Apron
While the event was a moment of joy for the church faithful, it was the pastor's personal style that caught the sharp eye of many online observers. A significant point of discussion among netizens was the fact that Pastor Muoka was not wearing the green apron that is a hallmark attire for his followers and which he is often seen wearing himself.
Instead, the General Overseer was dressed in a formal dark blue suit as he stepped out of the aircraft. This sartorial choice did not go unnoticed, prompting a flurry of comments questioning the absence of the church's "banner" or "reflector" on their leader.
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
The online response to the video was sharply divided. While some commenters expressed pure admiration and prayers for the pastor, others used the opportunity to voice criticisms and observations.
One user humorously pointed out the dress code discrepancy, asking, "His not wearing banner ?? ?? Ndi church una really funny oo." Another directly questioned, "Where baba apron mau?" This highlighted a perceived inconsistency between the leader's attire and that of his congregation.
Beyond the clothing, the use of a helicopter also drew commentary. A netizen with the username SIM_2 remarked, "Wait. So flying on air no be sin again ? Nice one," alluding to debates within some Christian circles about luxury and modesty. Another comment took a more critical historical view, stating, "Jesus no use private Jet go em own mountain oooh," drawing a contrast between modern pastoral travel and biblical narratives.
However, amidst the critique, messages of unwavering support also surfaced. One follower wrote, "I love you so much sir I prayed that your God heal me," demonstrating the deep personal connection many members feel towards the cleric.
Context of Recent Events
This incident is not the first time Pastor Muoka's travel has attracted attention. In a related report, Legit.ng noted that the pastor had previously been filmed taking off in a helicopter after another church program in Mgbidi. Furthermore, he has also made headlines for gifting a female evangelist with an SUV complete with a personal driver, painting a picture of a ministry that operates with significant material resources.
The video from Owerri continues to circulate, serving as a catalyst for broader conversations about leadership, symbolism, and perception within Nigeria's vibrant religious landscape. The convergence of a high-profile arrival, distinctive church attire, and luxury transport has ensured this moment remains a hot topic for discussion both online and offline.
