The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Impact House located in Iworoko, Ado Ekiti, recently launched an initiative called ‘Shop for Free’ designed to offer food and essential provisions to those in need, particularly students. The event was aimed at providing support to individuals facing economic challenges, with a special emphasis on students from Ekiti State University who reside in the area. The initiative saw over 1,000 beneficiaries, primarily students, engaging in a unique shopping experience where they could select their required items without incurring any costs. This charitable effort underscores the church’s commitment to community welfare amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic difficulties.
The event took place on a Sunday and transformed the church premises into makeshift stores filled with various essential food items. Beneficiaries had the opportunity to choose from a range of provisions tailored to meet the daily needs of students. Among the items available were vegetable oil, noodles, spaghetti, beverages, rice, beans, garri, semovita, and various cooking ingredients. This setup not only created a sense of normalcy in the act of shopping but also fostered a communal environment where individuals could freely access basic necessities in a dignified manner.
RCCG’s Zonal Pastor, Enoch Olatunji, articulated the motivation behind this initiative, highlighting the urgent need to support individuals grappling with the increasing economic hardship in Nigeria. He pointed out that the gesture targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including both members of the church and those from the wider community. Pastor Olatunji emphasized that the church’s outreach was not limited by affiliation, ensuring that anyone in need could benefit from the supplies offered. This commitment speaks to the church’s overarching goal of alleviating suffering and promoting social welfare.
In his statements, Olatunji linked hunger to broader societal issues, particularly insecurity. He noted that when individuals are faced with dire food shortages, they may resort to desperate measures to survive, leading to increased insecurity in society. The church’s intervention is thus positioned as not only a humanitarian endeavor but also as a proactive step toward fostering community stability. He reiterated the church’s desire to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing hunger and its associated risks, positioning the initiative as a critical response to current socio-economic challenges.
The beneficiaries expressed immense gratitude for the support they received through the ‘Shop for Free’ initiative. Many shared personal testimonials attesting to the profound impact that such assistance made in their lives, especially in light of the prevailing economic uncertainties. The gesture was appreciated not just as a charitable act, but as a lifeline that could significantly improve the quality of life for many students struggling to afford basic supplies during difficult times. This feedback highlights the importance of community support systems in the face of adversity.
Pastor Olatunji concluded by urging the government to prioritize and expedite measures aimed at addressing the economic downturn affecting millions of Nigerians. He called for a collective effort to combat hunger and its repercussions, advocating for more substantive policies that will alleviate the burdens faced by citizens. This initiative by RCCG serves as a model for community engagement and charitable outreach, demonstrating how faith-based organizations can play a pivotal role in local development and welfare initiatives amid challenging circumstances.
