Ikeuwa Omebeh, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, has conceded that a prayer session indeed happened at the state’s international airport, backtracking from his initial claims that the circulating worship video was fabricated using artificial intelligence.
Omebeh made the remarks during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, following criticism of the state government over allegations that the airport had been turned into a worship centre.
Asked about the video showing people worshipping at the airport, the commissioner insisted that it was not genuine.
“Yes, I am sure it is AI generated because this is the airport that the former president used the other day about three weeks ago. President Goodluck Jonathan, on his way travelling to book a local government in Calabar,” he said.
However, during a subsequent exchange with the interviewer, Omebeh acknowledged that prayer had taken place at the facility.
“I will agree with you that there was prayer,” he said.
The commissioner maintained that the gathering did not amount to a church service, distinguishing between workplace prayer and a formal religious service.
Omebeh was challenged about his initial claim that the video was AI-generated, pointing to comments attributed to the Commissioner for Special Duties, Valentine Okeke, who reportedly said airport staff gathered for communal prayers before resuming official duties.
He had earlier maintained that the airport had never been used as a worship centre.
“In all ramifications, it is not true. It has never been a worship centre and we don’t intend to use it as a worship centre,” he said.
The exchange ended with the commissioner acknowledging the presence of prayer at the airport while continuing to reject the characterisation of the gathering as a church service.
What You Should Know
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing individuals worshipping inside the Ebonyi State International Airport, drawing public criticism and accusations that a public transport facility was being converted into a religious center. Initially, Commissioner Ikeuwa Omebeh strongly defended the state government by dismissing the footage as artificial intelligence (AI) manipulation. However, during a subsequent live interview on ARISE News, he admitted that a prayer session did take place, though he drew a sharp line between a brief communal prayer among staff and a formal, dedicated church service.
- Transparency and Accountability: This incident highlights how public officials face intense scrutiny over digital media and public property management, making clear communication essential for maintaining public trust.
- Administrative Clarity: The back-and-forth raises questions about internal communication among state commissioners regarding the official use of public infrastructure in Ebonyi State.
