The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Youth Province 1, in partnership with other youth provinces across Lagos, has reportedly spent N40m on its free-bus-to-work initiative, which provided morning and evening transportation for commuters across the state.
Youth Province 1 disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that this year’s edition ran from November 24 to December 5.
According to the statement made available to PUNCH Online on Friday, the morning routes covered RCCG Jesus Palace (Festac) to CMS; Oworonshoki to CMS; Redemption City to 7UP; Redemption City to Sagamu; Redemption City to Trinity Towers (VI); Redemption City to Agege; and Ikorodu to Maryland. Free return trips were provided in the evenings.
The church explained that the programme, now in its second year, was introduced to cushion the effects of rising living costs and the strain of daily transportation on Nigerians.
The statement added, “Rising living costs without a commensurate increase in income have become the daily reality for many Nigerians.
“One such significant burden is transportation — a challenge that Youth Province 1 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in partnership with other youth provinces across Lagos, is addressing by providing free transportation to and from work.”
This year, about 10 long yellow buses were deployed, conveying hundreds of commuters daily.
Speaking on the initiative, the Pastor-in-Charge of Youth Province 1, Pastor Oluwagbemileke Adeboye, said the church embarked on the project to ease pressure on residents.
Adeboye said, “This initiative is our way of lending a hand to people. We did it last year and witnessed the massive relief it provided, so we decided to do it again this year in collaboration with Youth Provinces 2, 7, 14, 18 and 20 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“We also find the journeys a meaningful way to start or wrap up the day, sharing God’s Word and praying as we set out or return from work. It is open to all, regardless of tribe or religion.
“Beyond the morning trips, the church also provided free return journeys in the evenings, expending about N40m on the initiative.”
He added that Youth Province 1, assisted by Pastor Martins Olusakin, Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Province (CSR), and Pastor Abiodun Famojuro, Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Province (Administration), is also preparing for the RCCG Holy Ghost Congress scheduled for the second week of December.
Olusakin said beneficiaries had continued to commend the gesture, with many taking to social media to express gratitude to the church.
“The gratitude of commuters is evident in their smiles and relieved sighs as the church continues to extend this support to many,” he added.
PUNCH Online reports that in September 2024, Youth Province 1 unveiled a free bus service to assist commuters in some major areas around Lagos and Ogun States.
A statement from the province noted that the free bus service, which began the same day, was launched in response to Nigeria’s rising inflation, adding that the initiative was designed to ease transportation costs while also offering spiritual care and guidance.
Leave a comment