More than 40 widows and widowers have benefited from a support programme organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Garden of Peace Parish, Region 52 Headquarters, Surulere, Lagos.
The initiative, titled ‘Empowerment for Widows and Widowers,’ was launched by the church’s Department of Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) to begin its new calendar year by supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Speaking at the event, the Pastor in charge of the region, Samuel Olaniyan, said the programme aimed to bring relief and hope to widows, widowers, and other needy individuals.
“Today, we distributed rice, gari, beans, Indomie, spaghetti, and other items in quantities that will last them for quite some time, as we know some of them may not know where their next meal will come from,” he said. Olaniyan added that the church also issued tickets to some members to collect clothing and larger quantities of food items.
“We ensured robust packages for widows and widowers, some of whom are elderly and unable to provide for themselves. We prayed for them and encouraged them to identify with Jesus Christ and the church for visibility to attract further assistance,” he noted.
He explained that RCCG has been actively involved in community support initiatives, including house numbering, street cleaning, health walks, and exercise programmes. Plans are also underway for a vocational skills training project, ‘The Church on the Street,’ which will equip beneficiaries with practical trade skills.
Olaniyan urged government authorities to intensify efforts to support vulnerable groups, particularly widows and widowers, by designing programmes that address their basic needs. Such efforts, he said, would help stabilise them and provide sustainable livelihoods.
The CSR Chairman of RCCG Region 52 Headquarters, Deacon Otuagoma Joseph, said the church, under the leadership of General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, remains committed to reaching out to vulnerable groups and giving back to host communities through impactful projects.
