RCCG Cleric Urges Government to Prioritize Rural Healthcare Leadership
A Minister with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Agbolade Okenla, has issued a strong charge to both federal and state governments, urging them to take the lead in providing essential basic amenities, particularly healthcare services, in Nigeria's rural areas. Okenla, who serves as the Pastor-in-Charge of the City of David Parish of RCCG, delivered this message during a routine free medicare service organized by the church in Karu, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, over the weekend.
Basic Needs and Government Responsibility
Okenla emphasized that Nigerian citizens are not demanding excessive luxuries but rather the fundamental necessities of life, such as robust infrastructure and quality healthcare. He noted that some Christian organizations, including RCCG, have been actively championing these causes through various initiatives. "If the government fails, then the people resort to the church because there is so much integrity and trust in the church," Okenla stated. "That is the reason people can commit so many millions to us and believe that we will deliver. And we are delivering."
Church's Extensive Healthcare Efforts
In the past few months, Okenla's parish has provided significant medical and welfare assistance to over 6,000 residents of the Kabusa community in the FCT, prior to the latest mission in Karu, which served hundreds more. These interventions align with the vision of the church's General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who encourages members to continue with Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. This annual exercise costs the church approximately N7 billion, covering specialist care and free medicare services to citizens across the nation.
Medical Services and Community Impact
Dr. Theophilus Adoh, the medical director of the church, detailed the comprehensive services offered during the Karu mission. The medical team, which included pharmacists, doctors, and other technicians, treated numerous individuals for various health issues such as eye care, organ scans, malaria, and high blood pressure, while also conducting health sensitization sessions. "So, there is a lot of allergies. Fortunately for us, when we came for our needs assessment to this community, we saw that. So, we bought a lot of medications that will take care of allergies," Dr. Adoh explained. Additionally, the team provided face masks to those in need and held health talks to enhance community knowledge and awareness.
