Pastor Jerry Eze has apologised to worshippers who were denied entry to the NSPPD UK Prayer Conference held at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium in the United Kingdom.
The conference, organised by Eze’s Streams of Joy International, attracted worshippers from Britain and other countries. Although attendance was free, participants were required to register ahead of the event because capacity was limited.
In a video message on Monday, Eze expressed regret over the number of attendees who were turned away, particularly those who travelled long distances to attend.
He said some worshippers came from countries including Australia, North Macedonia and Sweden, only to be unable to enter the stadium.
“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 deeply troubled after learning that many people were asked to leave 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 beyond his control and that of Streams of Joy, while acknowledging complaints 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.
The NSPPD founder repeatedly apologised to those who could not enter the stadium, saying he had been distressed since learning the scale of the turnout.
He also promised that lessons from the incident would inform preparations for next year’s gathering.
“I assure you next year, next year, you will look back and say they really took note of it,” he said.
The prayer conference, held on Saturday, featured gospel ministers including Sunmisola Agbebi, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan and Kaestrings alongside Eze.
Eze ended his message with another apology to the worshippers who were turned away.
“I am sorry again and again. Please, once again, I am sorry about how people, tens of thousands, I mean, were sent back,” he said.
