The city of Port Harcourt in Rivers State is set to become the epicenter of a massive humanitarian and religious intervention as the Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW) prepares for its 2025 crusade. Founder Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo has announced comprehensive plans that will bring free medical surgeries, food distribution, and spiritual nourishment to thousands of Nigerians.
Massive Medical Intervention Planned
The medical component of the crusade represents one of the largest private healthcare initiatives in recent Nigerian history. Medical professionals have already screened 1,130 surgical cases in preparation for the event, including over 300 thyroid cases, 200 fibroid cases, and 300 cataract cases.
The healthcare mobilization involves an impressive team of medical professionals, including 100 doctors, 100 pharmacists, and 50 nurses who will treat up to 80,000 patients. The outreach will extend beyond surgical cases to include deworming for 25,000 children and general medical treatments benefiting approximately 70,000 people across Rivers State.
The medical outreach will span three weeks across multiple healthcare facilities, including Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, ensuring comprehensive coverage and follow-up care for beneficiaries.
Comprehensive Welfare Package for Indigent Communities
Beyond medical care, CCRW has organized one of the most extensive food and welfare distributions seen in the region. The organization will distribute 150,000 bags of rice, 150,000 bags of beans, 150,000 packs of garri, 100,000 noodles, and 20,000 packs each of salt, sugar, and cooking oil.
The welfare package extends to essential household and personal items, including 20,000 bags of soap, 170,000 clothing items (with special consideration for the elderly receiving 10,000 Ankara wrappers), 25,000 buckets, and 1,000 mattresses specifically designated for elderly beneficiaries.
To maintain order and ensure fair distribution, the organization will implement a coupon system starting Monday, November 24. The venue will be strategically partitioned into specialized sections catering to different demographic groups, including young men, young women, older men, older women, mothers with children, and persons with disabilities.
Logistical Mastery and Economic Impact
The scale of the event requires monumental logistical coordination. Over 9,000 registered volunteers are already positioned on the ground, supported by 100 buses arranged to transport people from rural communities to the main venue at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Igwuruta.
Mrs. Nasara Katugwu-Washpam, Chief Operating Officer of CCRW, highlighted the economic benefits already generated by the event preparation. The organization transported 2,520 one-kilogram bags of rice and beans from northern Nigeria to Port Harcourt, stimulating agricultural supply chains.
The hospitality sector is experiencing significant boosts with six hotels fully booked to accommodate volunteers and international guests arriving from Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The aviation, transportation, and small-business sectors have also reported increased activity directly linked to the crusade preparations.
Security arrangements include the deployment of 300 police officers and soldiers to ensure safety throughout the six-day event running from November 24-29, with daily sessions beginning at 5:00 PM.
Spiritual Mission and Ecumenical Collaboration
While the humanitarian aspects are substantial, Pastor Ashimolowo emphasized that evangelism remains the core mission of CCRW. The organization has set a target of 30,000 souls for salvation during the crusade, with night sessions expected to feature miracles, healings, and deliverances.
The event will feature prominent religious leaders from across Nigeria and internationally, fostering ecumenical collaboration among different church denominations. Confirmed participants include Pastor Poju Oyemade, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, Bishop Tudor Bismark from Zimbabwe, Rev. Steve Mensah and team from Ghana, Dr. Festus Adeyeye from the USA, and Jonathan Shuttlesworth from the USA.
A ministers' conference running concurrently aims to strengthen pastoral leadership and foster unity among churches, particularly in rural areas where religious guidance is most needed.
Government Support and Future Vision
Pastor Ashimolowo expressed unprecedented appreciation for the cooperation received from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration. The state government has provided crucial support in deploying hospital facilities and staff, making the extensive medical outreach possible.
The 2025 edition, themed "Port Harcourt, This is Selfless Love," follows successful previous crusades in Ikorodu (2023) and Ibadan (2024). Pastor Ashimolowo noted that the Port Harcourt event is projected to be the largest in the organization's history, reflecting growing momentum for their unique combination of practical compassion and spiritual ministry.
As preparations enter their final phase, the people of Rivers State await what promises to be a transformative event that addresses both immediate physical needs and deeper spiritual hunger in the region.
