364 students bag RCCG academic support

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 52, Garden of Peace Parish, has presented academic awards, cash gifts and school bags to 364 secondary school students, estimated at about N6m.

Speaking during the presentation of awards at the church’s regional headquarters in Surulere, Lagos, the Pastor in charge of Zone and Deputy Regional Pastor, RCCG Region 52, Femi Banire, said the initiative was designed to extend the church’s impact beyond its congregation and support families in the community.

Banire explained that about N6m was spent on the initiative, covering teachers’ remuneration, school bags and cash gifts for beneficiaries.

The five-week programme, which ran from August 3 to September 4, also saw free lessons offered to students drawn from the church and the wider community, irrespective of their religious backgrounds.

He said, “This one is far-reaching because people came from far and near to attend the five-week free lessons, which is to make sure that children were not sitting at home doing nothing so that they would be occupied throughout the holiday period.

“And not only that, so that the church also can affect the families.”

He stressed that the programme was open to students from different faiths, saying the church sought to promote peaceful coexistence and community development.

Banire said the programme was part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities, following previous interventions, including environmental sanitation and medical outreach.

Banire urged wealthy Nigerians to deploy their resources towards improving society, saying wealth should be measured by the impact an individual makes.

“The most important thing about life is the impact. It’s not about your richness or wealth; it’s what impact you are making,” he said.

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Giving details of the donation, Chairman, CSR Department, Garden of Peace Parish, RCCG Region 52 headquarters, Dr Joseph Otuagoma, said the programme was established to demonstrate the church’s love through practical community service.

He said the programme initially attracted about 150 students but grew to 364 participants, including Christians, Muslims and other members of the community.

He disclosed that about N900,000 was set aside as cash awards for the best-performing students across various classes, while some church members provided additional prizes.

He added that winners of a computer-based competition received $50, $30 and $20, respectively.

Beyond academics, Otuagoma said the students participated in daily fellowship, career guidance and mentorship sessions led by professionals, university representatives and industry experts.

“It was not done just by pastors. We brought professionals and people in charge of counselling, universities and mentors in industries to guide them,” he said.

Otuagoma said parents were also invited to participate so they could reinforce the lessons at home.

He disclosed that the entire initiative cost about N6m, describing it as an investment in the future of the young participants.

An SS3 student, Otitodilichukwu Ndubueze, who emerged as the overall best student in the SS3 category, said he planned to save the cash prize he received and that the recognition had boosted his confidence and motivated him to plan for his future.