In an annual tradition aimed at bringing joy to the residents of Ibadan, Triumphant Nation, City of David, Ibadan, organized its 2024 free community outreach on Saturday, 7th of December.
Presiding Pastor of Triumphant Nation Everywhere, Pastor Albert Oduwole, speaking to Solutions FM, explained that the outreach, now in its 12th year, was born out of the recognition that many people lack the resources to celebrate festive seasons. This motivated the church to provide essential services such as food distribution, medical checkups, and even a Father Christmas party for children. He addressed criticism of the church over tithes, noting that the funds are often used for societal good, filling gaps left by government efforts.
Pastor Oduwole also expressed concern over the country’s economic challenges, urging the government to fulfill its responsibilities. He encouraged Nigerians to extend acts of kindness, regardless of their circumstances.
Pastor Abiodun Olusanya, Resident Pastor of Triumphant Nation, City of David, reflected on how the community outreach started as a health-focused initiative but has since expanded to meet the growing needs of residents. This year, the outreach catered to between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals and families.
He clarified that the event is not intended to attract new church members but rather to demonstrate God’s love through giving. Pastor Olusanya also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and trust that the current economic hardships will pass.
Another Pastor in the Church, Pastor Tolu Olusanya emphasized that the church’s steady commitment to this outreach is rooted in biblical teachings on love. She highlighted various medical services offered, including general consultations by doctors, free eye glasses, and dental care. Food items such as rice, beans, spaghetti, groundnut oil, and clothing were also distributed to beneficiaries.
The Chairman of the 2024 Planning Committee, Reverend Daniel Leke Lekan, noted that the church anticipated the large turnout and made additional provisions compared to the previous year. This included the involvement of the Federal Road Safety Corps, which provided an ambulance for emergencies, as well as support from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, police, and military. Reverend Lekan commended the volunteers for their dedication in overcoming challenges to serve the community.
He recounted a touching incident involving a woman who, after sleeping on the road the night before the outreach, was initially tagged to receive only cooked food. Volunteers, however, went the extra mile to ensure she could take home enough to feed her two children.
Pastor of Triumphant Nation, City of David, Pastor Bayo Bello emphasized that the outreach was inclusive and not limited by religious affiliation. He stressed that the church’s priority was addressing critical societal needs, particularly food and healthcare, which have become unaffordable for many due to the nation’s economic difficulties.
Beyond the church leaders, Olukoya Shoyemi, secretary of the Oke-Alaro community where the church is located, expressed gratitude for the annual outreach. He noted that residents now plan their budgets around the event, confident in receiving food, clothing, and medical assistance. Shoyemi prayed for the church’s growth and the donors’ continued blessings.
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed satisfaction with the church’s efforts and prayed for abundant blessings on the pastors and members of Triumphant Nation, City of David.
