In a strategic move to integrate community social responsibility with youth leadership development, the Redeemed Christian Church of God Divine Assembly, Alapere, has carried out its annual The Priceless Gift outreach.
The event, which was held recently, featured the distribution of 500 gift packs and school bags to children within the host community and was executed entirely by the church’s junior members, serving as a practical demonstration of decentralised leadership.
Departing from the traditional clerical-led format, the 2025 edition of the outreach was anchored by teenagers and children. Under the mentorship of professional compere, MC Isaac, student representatives, including Isaac Babalola and Borke Oghenetega, coordinated choreography, worship sessions, and Bible readings.
The initiative, described as a “Transformative Junior Church” model, is designed to bridge soft-skills gaps by exposing young participants to public speaking, project coordination, and event management.
The Head of the Students’ Department and Junior Church, Deaconess Bukola Oladejo, said the objective of the ministry was to produce “shining lights” capable of navigating the professional world. “The goal is to train them for excellence today so they can lead society tomorrow,” she said.
Beyond the distribution of gifts, the programme also served as a platform for advocacy. Student leaders, Daramola Oluwanifemi and Emmanuel Olurotimi, appealed to government policymakers to intensify measures against student kidnapping and to prioritise child welfare in the 2026 fiscal budget.
Reinforcing the advocacy, the wife of the National Overseer Emeritus, Pastor Mrs Victoria Obayemi, delivered a keynote address urging mothers to embrace their roles as “nation-builders.” She stressed that domestic vigilance and disciplined upbringing were critical to national stability and security.
Representing the National Overseer Emeritus, the Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province (CSR), Pastor Lawrence Babalola, facilitated the donation of 500 school bags and essential food items to families in the Alapere community.
“Our CSR mandate extends beyond spiritual guidance; it is about tangible economic support for the vulnerable,” Babalola stated. He also challenged youths to support law enforcement and avoid criminal activities, noting that peace remained a prerequisite for economic growth.
As Lagos navigates the Yuletide season, RCCG Divine Assembly’s The Priceless Gift outreach highlights the expanding role of faith-based organisations in delivering social safety nets and early professional development for young people.
