Akowonjo crusade in Lagos delivers faith, food, free healthcare
Modern-day evangelical crusades in Nigeria are increasingly moving beyond the pulpit, combining spiritual revival with practical social support for communities grappling with economic hardship, health challenges, and uncertainty about the
Modern-day evangelical crusades in Nigeria are increasingly moving beyond the pulpit, combining spiritual revival with practical social support for communities grappling with economic hardship, health challenges, and uncertainty about the future.
This evolving model was on display in Lagos at the Akowonjo for Christ Crusade, where thousands of worshippers gathered in Egbeda for a three-day programme that merged preaching, healing prayers, free medical outreach, and food distribution.
Pastor Funso Popoola of The Grace Rock Church, one of the organisers of the crusade, said the vision behind the programme was shaped by concerns about stagnation and confusion affecting many individuals.
“God showed us that there are a lot of destinies tied down, and many people don’t know what to do with their lives. When people are confused, it takes God to step in and bring advancement and progress. We were instructed to gather God’s people and trust God for intervention,” he said.
But beyond the spiritual framing, Popoola stressed that modern ministry must also respond to practical realities, including health and welfare.
According to him, many people struggle not only with faith but with a lack of access to basic support systems that can help them function productively.
“It is not enough to preach and leave people in ignorance about their health status.
“A healthy person can work, pray, and live well. That is why we included free medical check-ups and referrals where necessary,” he said.
The crusade offered free screening services such as blood pressure and malaria tests, alongside the distribution of food items like rice and garri to residents in attendance.
The atmosphere at the crusade reflected this dual approach. While some sections of the gathering were marked by intense prayer and teaching, others focused on medical consultations and food distribution, with volunteers attending to community members who came for assistance.
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The programme was organised by The Great Commission (TGC) and The Grace Rock Church.
Religious ministering at the event on day two also featured gospel artiste Tope Alabi, whose worship session drew thousands into singing and reflection, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the gathering.
Speaking during her ministration, Alabi urged worshippers to embrace salvation as the foundation of meaningful worship, noting that spiritual expression without commitment to Christ lacks depth.
The President of The Great Commission Christian Network (TGC), Andy Ikekhide, led the congregation in fervent prayers and worship, with intercessions centred on divine breakthrough, restoration, and open doors.
He encouraged worshippers to remain hopeful despite life’s challenges, urging them to trust in God’s power for intervention in difficult situations.
Preaching on the theme, ‘Arise, for your light has come,’ Ikekhide referenced the deliverance of Apostle Peter in Acts Chapter 12, using the biblical account to underscore the possibility of sudden divine intervention and freedom from life’s limitations.
He further called on worshippers to pray earnestly for restoration, new beginnings, and open doors, stressing that the presence of God is sufficient to break every barrier and overturn every limitation.
