GIRMACE CROCODILE POND-Zuru, North Western Nigeria.
A deity located on the outskirts of the ancient town. It is worshipped by followers in the vicinity
and internationally from northern Benin Republic; add to that the adherents that have made other
parts of the world home, but remain spiritually faithful to this deity.
Belief in the occupants of the pond, huge crocodiles that actually have algae and grass growing
on their backs, due to age and immobility, is the force behind the potency of it’s powers.
To deliver from enemys’ attacks, prosper careers and business ventures, heal illnesses, turn
barreness of womens’ wombs to fruitfulness.
Offering and sacrifices of chickens, pigeons, farm produce etc., as dictated by the priest
provides adequately for the crocodiles and the priests’ needs.
Pentecostal Christian meetings at the headquarters of various ministries has given the continent
a huge share of the religious tourism market. With worshippers coming from all nook and cranny
of the world in and out of season; the expanding trend cannot be ignored.
Loosely referred to as ‘camps’; adequate provision has been made for necessities, such as, affordable
accommodation, eateries, shopping arcades, banks, transportation, etc.
Notable among them are Mountain of Fire and Miracles’ Prayer City, Redeemed Christian Church
of Gods’ Redemption camp. Also of significance is the ‘Synagogue’ SCOAN, famously known for
exorcising evil spirits and obtaining divine healing for strange and incurable ailments by believers.
All these are located in south west Nigeria. Regular programs in these camps ensure the constant
flow of traffic to them.
With the variety and extent of this phenomenon; measurement of its impact on the economy
needs to be taken for factual statistics, only then will the world appreciate and key into it’s
development as obtains in other parts of the world. Responsible tourism must be enforced as well.