Africa’s tallest statue of Jesus unveiled in Imo State, Nigeria

Obinna Onuoha Jesus statue — The statue is the tallest of its kind in Africa.

Brazil’s “Christ the Redeemer” now has a Nigerian “brother.”

At least 100 Catholic priests gathered at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Abajah village, Imo state of Nigeria, to witness the unveiling of “Jesus de Greatest.”

The 28 feet tall monument was unveiled on New Year’s Day before a cheering crowd of excited Catholics and curious passers-by.

“Jesus de Greatest” is now the tallest statue of the Jesus Christ in Africa.

But it is still dwarfed by the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue towering over Rio de Janeiro at 98 feet in height, and the 118-foot-tall “Christ the King” in western Poland.

READ: 10 things we know about Nigerian behind Africa’s tallest Jesus statue

The statue was erected by a Chinese construction company for Obinna Onuoha, a wealthy Nigerian businessman and devout Catholic.

Onuoha, who commissioned the project in 2012, said it was inspired by a dream he had in 1997.

Onuoha said it will be a symbol of peace for Nigeria, which since 2009 has faced an Islamist insurgency in the country’s northeast.

Obinna Onuoha, 45, said he had the dream to construct the statue when he was in his mid twenties. — Obinna Onuoha, 43, said he had the dream to construct the statue when he was in his twenties.

“We think religions can exist side by side,” Onuoha told AFP.

“We hope that people can live in harmony,” he said.

Onuoha’s words seem in sync with Pope Francis’ ongoing effort to unite people of all faiths.

“Jesus de Greatest” shares a location with St. Aloysius Catholic Church – a structure Onuoha 68-year-old mother made him promise to build after she fell seriously ill a few years ago.

Nigerians reacted to the statue with some saying it is has no basis in the scriptures. Others say Jesus Christ is worthy of the monument.

Still others say a Christian monument may do little to foster peace in a country evenly shared with Muslims.

What saith thou?.