Pastor Jerry Eze has apologised to worshippers who were unable to gain entry into the NSPPD UK Prayer Conference held at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The prayer gathering, organised by Eze’s Streams of Joy International, drew worshippers from Britain and several other countries. Admission was free, but participants were required to register in advance because capacity was limited.
However, demand for the event reportedly exceeded the available space, leaving thousands of attendees unable to enter the 74,000-capacity stadium.
In a video message on Monday, Eze expressed regret to those who travelled long distances to attend the programme but were turned away.
He said some worshippers travelled from countries including Australia, North Macedonia and Sweden.
“Before I continue, I want to sincerely, from the depth of my heart, apologise. Apologise to the tens of thousands of people who were turned back,” Eze said.
The pastor said he was particularly concerned after learning that large numbers of worshippers had been denied entry despite travelling from different parts of the world.
“Some people travelled very far from Australia, from North Macedonia, from Sweden, from different parts of the world to come. I felt so sorry. I cannot even tell you how bad I felt when I heard that there were still tens of thousands who were asked to go back,” he said.
Eze said the situation was outside his control and that of Streams of Joy, while acknowledging the reactions from affected worshippers on social media.
“Of course, you know me, it was beyond my control. If it was something I could influence, and you know it was not something that Streams of Joy people could influence, but people of God, I want to say I am sorry,” he said.
He assured those affected that the organisers had taken note of the incident and would work to prevent a recurrence.
“It will not happen again. I see your pain as you post about it on social media and you talk about it wherever you go. I want to say I am sorry. Please forgive us,” Eze said.
He repeatedly apologised to those who could not enter the stadium, saying he had been troubled since learning about the number of people who were turned away.
“I am really very sorry. We are sorry. We are very sorry. We are very sorry. Forgive us. Forgive us. We are very sorry about it,” he said.
Eze also assured worshippers that lessons would be taken from the incident ahead of next year’s conference.
“If it was something we knew that was going to happen and all of that, we would have done everything possible. Please forgive us. We do not take it for granted,” he said.
The conference, held last Saturday, featured Eze and gospel ministers including Sunmisola Agbebi, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan and Kaestrings.
Eze ended his message with another apology to those who were unable to enter the stadium.
“I am sorry again and again. Please, once again, I am sorry about how people, tens of thousands, I mean, were sent back… I am sorry. That is all I can say,” he said.
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