Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE just-concluded 74th annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was not only marked by fervent prayers, worship and spiritual teachings, but also by a range of humanitarian, healthcare and empowerment initiatives designed to meet the needs of millions of participants.
Held for one week at the Redemption City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, the convention, themed “Mountain Movers”, recorded the birth of no fewer than 88 babies during the period.
Beyond the celebrations surrounding new births, the convention also provided access to a wide range of medical and welfare services, many of them at no cost to beneficiaries.
Among the services provided were free medical consultations, investigations, medication and specialised healthcare interventions for participants who required attention during the convention.
The church also offered free surgeries, including cataract and other eye procedures, some glaucoma cases, caesarean sections for complicated deliveries, gynecological operations and orthopaedic procedures for trauma cases.
The free medical clinic, which operated mainly from Wednesday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, was expected to attend to about 10,000 patients, offering consultations, basic medical investigations and medications.
For people living with chronic kidney disease and unable to afford treatment, the convention also provided at least 25 free dialysis sessions.
Dental services, including scaling and polishing, were equally made available, alongside routine wellness checks, monitoring of vital signs and immunisation services.
Another major component was the health screening and support programme operated under the RCCG’s RAPAC initiative. Screening points located across the camp offered tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, malaria, typhoid and blood sugar levels.
Men were offered prostate screening, while women had access to cervical and breast assessments.
Health education, counselling and medications were also provided where necessary, with beneficiaries receiving the services free of charge.
The healthcare provisions were supported by the medical infrastructure available within the Redemption City, including emergency care, intensive care, radiology and maternity services.
Additional medical personnel were also mobilised to cope with the increased number of people attending the convention.
The convention’s emphasis on meeting physical and social needs extended beyond healthcare.
Participants had access to daily sporting and recreational activities designed for different age groups, while young people and young adults participated in skills and empowerment programmes under the Redeemed Initiative for Skills and Empowerment (RISE).
The initiative provided opportunities for practical skills acquisition, networking and personal development. Free barbing services were also made available during the convention period.
A series of special seminars provided participants with practical teachings on issues including management, leadership and translating faith into action.
The convention also created dedicated platforms for different categories of participants, including women, youths, children, elders, workers and pastors’ children through the Pastors’ Seed Family.
These forums provided opportunities for mentoring, interaction, mutual support and networking among participants from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
The spiritual dimension of the convention was also reflected in the ordination of deacons, deaconesses, assistant pastors and full pastors, reinforcing the church’s emphasis on leadership development and service.
For the millions who converged on Redemption City, logistics and welfare remained another critical component.
Organised feeding arrangements, accommodation support and other facilities were deployed to manage the large gathering.
The birth of 88 babies during the seven-day convention offered one of the most striking human-interest moments of the gathering. For the families involved, the convention became more than an annual religious assembly; it became the setting for the arrival of new members into their families.
The array of healthcare, welfare, empowerment, recreational and spiritual programmes also underscored a broader message from the convention: that moving mountains, in the words of its theme, goes beyond prayers and declarations to include practical interventions that address people’s everyday needs.
From newborn babies and free medical treatment to skills training, mentoring and leadership development, the 2026 RCCG convention sought to demonstrate that faith can also be expressed through service.
As the crowds departed Redemption City after a week of activities, the message was clear: the convention was not only about moving mountains; it was also about meeting needs.
