Netizens react to absence of offering collection at NLP conference

StreetOT

Reactions have continued to trail the 2026 Next Level Prayers (NLP) Conference after participants and observers noted that no offering was collected throughout the large Christian gathering held in Lagos.

The conference, organised by Harvesters International Christian Centre and led by its senior pastor, Bolaji Idowu, drew thousands of worshippers to the Tafawa Balewa Square for hours of worship, prayer and teachings

The Next Level Prayer Conference is the first Christian event of its kind where, despite the enormous amount spent to put it together, not a single offering was taken,” Pamilerin wrote in a post that gained wide engagement online. “A powerful reminder that JESUS IS FREE.”



His comment sparked mixed reactions among users of the social media platform X, with some praising the move as commendable while others argued that the absence of offering should not be used to measure the success of a church event.

One user, Iyke Ekwe, acknowledged the significance of the gathering but cautioned against making offering collection a benchmark.

“It was indeed a first of its kind. The turnout was amazing. But not giving offering shouldn’t be a performance indicator. At all,” Ekwe wrote.

Other users also commented on the role of volunteers who helped coordinate activities during the conference. A user identified as Tosin.X noted that several well-known members of the church served actively throughout the event.



“I also love that many well-known guys at Harvesters are active workers in church. During NLP on Friday night, they were busy serving all through,” the user wrote, adding that several volunteers were seen moving around the venue coordinating activities and assisting participants.

The conference also attracted notable dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who joined thousands of worshippers at the event.

Organisers described the gathering as a platform for spiritual renewal, prayer and community empowerment, featuring worship sessions, teachings and testimonies from participants.

Over the years, the annual Next Level Prayers Conference has grown into one of the major faith-based gatherings in Lagos, drawing participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora.