The annual community service initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, executed through the All-Africa Service Project (AASP), was held recently in Simawa, Ogun State. The initiative was established to bring members and friends together to improve and beautify communities across Africa.

The project which began in 2006 had by 2009 become a significant Africa-wide service effort, with members in more than 30 countries participating in charity works such as road repairs, drainage clearing, environmental cleanup, painting, tree planting, blood donation to hospitals, pothole filling, desilting gutters, weeding and cleaning public facilities among others. This year, members of the church in large numbers simultaneously participate in the project.

Members of Ojodu Stake were at Simawa, Ogun State where they carried out activities such as clearing, cleaning, painting of capstone around Simawa roundabout. They also painted walls and ceilings of two rooms of Simawa Healthcentre as well as part of the walls of Simawa High School, Simawa Sagamu Local Council.

Speaking at Simawa, Stake President, Lagos Nigeria, Osadiaye Osamuyi-men said the project brings together every year, members of the church to render community service. He noted that the church, aside from the All Africa project initiative carried out every August, also from time to time carry out other activities at all levels.

Also speaking at Simawa, First Counsellor in Mowe Ward Bishopric, Ojodu Stake, Bro. Chibueze Ohaegbuem said the project is in line with what the church believes in.

“We believe in serving the community, the people where we live, regardless of their religion, regardless of their race. So, that’s why we are here. One of our core beliefs is that when you are in the service of your fellow human beings, you are in the service of God, especially when it is voluntary.”

He disclosed that the members of the church provided resources in executing the projects and activities. “So, they volunteer their time, their resources, to come and do it in the community where they are living.”

Members of Festac Stake partnered with Clarion Care Home and Senior Living to clean up the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) Centre, Amuwo- Odofin. They cleared the bush to curb the menace of rodents aside painting the healthcentre.

The President, Festac Stake, Ugochukwu Nwaelele, who noted the excitement of the residents for the service rendered, said the contribution is service of the Lord.

Similarly, Yaba Stake partnered with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in donating blood, while Lekki Stake cleaned Badore healthcentre in Ajah.