RCCG Gives 364 Students N6m Academic Awards, Cash Gifts

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Region 52, Garden of Peace Parish, has rewarded 364 secondary school students with academic prizes, cash gifts and school bags worth about N6m.

The church presented the awards at its regional headquarters in Surulere, Lagos, after a five-week holiday programme for students from the church and surrounding communities.

The Pastor in charge of Zone and Deputy Regional Pastor, RCCG Region 52, Femi Banire, said the initiative aimed to support families and extend the church’s impact beyond its congregation.

Banire said the N6m expenditure covered teachers’ remuneration, school bags and cash prizes for the students.

The programme ran from August 3 to September 4. It offered free lessons to students regardless of their religious backgrounds.

“This one is far-reaching because people came from far and near to attend the five-week free lessons,” Banire said.

He said the lessons kept students engaged during the holiday while allowing the church to support families in the community.

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Banire said the programme also promoted peaceful coexistence by bringing together students from different faiths.

He described the initiative as part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities. He cited earlier projects, including environmental sanitation and medical outreach.

Banire also urged wealthy Nigerians to use their resources to improve society. “The most important thing about life is the impact. It’s not about your richness or wealth; it’s what impact you are making,” he said.

The Chairman of the parish’s CSR Department, Dr Joseph Otuagoma, said the programme sought to demonstrate the church’s commitment to practical community service.

Otuagoma said about 150 students initially enrolled in the programme. The number later rose to 364, including Christians, Muslims and other community members.

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He said the church allocated about N900,000 for cash awards to top-performing students across different classes. Some church members also donated additional prizes. Winners of a computer-based competition received $50, $30 and $20, respectively.

The programme also included daily fellowship, career guidance and mentorship. Professionals, university representatives and industry experts led the sessions.

Otuagoma said the church involved parents so they could reinforce the lessons at home.

He put the total cost of the initiative at about N6m and described it as an investment in the students’ future. An SS3 student, Otitodilichukwu Ndubueze, emerged as the overall best student in the SS3 category.

Ndubueze said he planned to save his cash prize. He added that the recognition had increased his confidence and motivated him to plan for his future.

source: Punch News