31 Pioneer Empowerment Project Trainees Graduate From Dominion Cares Foundation of RCCG Region 19

Published

4 years ago

August 9, 2022

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31 Pioneer Empowerment Project Trainees Graduate From Dominion Cares Foundation of RCCG Region 19—-The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 19 headquarters, Dominion Sanctuary, Ikeja recently graduated the first set of graduates from the empowerment programme of Dominion Cares Foundation (DCF).

This is in addition to what the CSR department is doing to reach out to the Ikeja, Agidingbi, Ogba, Iju Communities.

The special event took place recently at the church auditorium located on Acme road within the central business district of Ikeja, Lagos,

Charging the 31 specially equipped trainees to go out and succeed, the Pastor in charge, Pastor Brown Oyitso demanded that they dig deep to expand their sphere of influence as pioneer ambassadors of Dominion Cares Foundation (DCF). “I want to hear in the next 2 or 3 years that your businesses have expanded within Africa to Europe and even to the USA. This is the kind of news we are expecting to hear from you” Pastor Oyitso Stressed.

Speaking later in an interview, on what motivated the Dominion Sanctuary to embark on this charity project, DCF Pastor Oyitso explained that the humane ministry of his General Overseer, Pastor E. A. Adeboye in this area were the biggest factor that motivated him. “Daddy G.O. as we fondly call him instructed us to embark on CSR initiatives to help the marginalized people of the society. Daddy G.O. saw the huge needs in the society and realized that government can’t meet all these needs. He therefore instructed the Pastors of the RCCG to embark on these CSR initiatives to help humanity.

The RCCG’s CSR, Christian Social Responsibility initiatives seek to positively effect changes in society by working with people, corporate bodies, NGOs, and Government to improve the overall socioeconomic status of both people and communities.

“In that project, our primary scope and focus is on external interventions in tandem with the RCCG National framework and objectives initiatives subdivided into eight pillars – Social, Health, Education, Media, Business, Art/Entertainment, Government and Sports.

‘’ The CSR programmes are on and quite active in our region here. Just as our General Overseer saw that vacuum, we were motivated to look around and we saw a lot of spaces we need to fill. In addition to what we do through our CSR department, which is outward looking, we had to set up the Dominion Cares Foundation to look after the needs of our members within the church. The foundation is headed by Babatunde Savage, former Chairman of Guinness Nigeria Plc.

“In this area of skills acquisition programmes that we are starting with, we expect there will be multiplier effects. This first group will employ and train apprentices who in turn will also become manufacturer and entrepreneurs someday.

Commenting on his involvement as chairman of Dominion Cares Foundation, Mr. Babatunde Savage revealed that he felt highly privileged to lead a committed team dedicated to meeting societal needs through the demonstration of love that positively impacts individuals in the church.

(L-R)A beneficiary of Dominion Care Foundation Empowerment Project, Sister Dupe Lokoyi and the Pastor in Charge of Region 19 and International Missions, RCCG and the Graduation Ceremony of First Set of Beneficiary of Dominion Care Foundation in Lagos on Sunday.

He explained that at Dominion Sanctuary, CSR objectives are in tandem with that of the National Headquarters, however, for DCF, Savage explained that the foundation has identified and extended its scope, and the focus presently is to provide financial independence for indigent church members. He also explained that the project is built on 3 pillars- skills acquisition, job creation, and business networking.

On the initial challenges the foundation faced, a member of the DCF, Dr Chidi Okpaluba who mentored the trainees for one year, revealed that it took a lot of efforts to convince people who were always looking for jobs that they can start something on their own. “We had to go deep and motivate them and the result is the can-do spirit we can see now. Already, 28 persons have been interviewed and they are on the line to resume as the second batch of this impactful project,” Okpaluba explained.

The 31 pioneer beneficiaries were trained in seven areas- fashion design, digital/ social media marketing, catering, driving, videography, shoe making, and Igele /make-up services. The church is finalising the establishment of a micro-finance bank that will facilitate loans and grants for trainees.

During the event, all the colourfully- dressed 31 beneficiaries came out to collect their certificates from the regional pastor.

In a chat, Olufunke Umoren who graduated in Fashion- design/ dress-making was full of praises for the pastor and the church for the capacity-building opportunities provided. “For six months that we trained, the foundation provided everything from clothes even to the needles we used. It was so seamless and we were treated like queens’, Umoren stressed,

For Adedayo Olabunmiji who lost his banking job some years ago, his training in digital/Social media marketing was like a new beginning and he is ready to explore the digital world massively. Felicia Esazebor and Austin Ogechukwu Benson, trained as a make-up artist and shoemaker respectively, were full of excitement at their graduation. Some trainees exhibited their products, smiling home with quality sales.

RCCG Dominion Sanctuary is passionate about its vision for all members to make heaven. The congregation has grown massively over the years. The church has a uniquely built edifice which gives a captivating look to viewers. They also have a beautiful choir with songs always beautifully rendered to inspire and engage all attendees in profound worship.

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JUST IN: After 56 Days in Captivity, Ogbomoso Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom, Presidency Confirms

Published

6 days ago

July 10, 2026

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JUST IN: After 56 Days in Captivity, Ogbomoso Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom, Presidency Confirms—-The Nigerian Presidency has confirmed that all pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations by security agencies.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday via his official X account, stating that the victims had been successfully rescued after spending weeks in captivity.

The mass abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men riding motorcycles and dressed in military camouflage stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attackers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, firing gunshots to create panic before whisking away dozens of pupils and teachers.

Among those kidnapped were children as young as two years old, alongside at least seven teachers, in one of the most shocking school abductions recorded in Nigeria’s southwest region.

The assailants reportedly marched their captives into the forests surrounding Old Oyo National Park, an area increasingly associated with the activities of armed criminal groups. The incident triggered widespread fear across affected communities, forcing schools to close indefinitely as worried parents withdrew their children from classrooms.

The abduction sparked national outrage, with civil society organizations, activists, celebrities, and concerned citizens demanding urgent intervention from authorities. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) also declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, insisting on stronger security measures to protect schools and educational workers.

In response, a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, police personnel, and local hunters was launched. Security operatives reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a series of confrontations as efforts intensified to secure the safe return of the victims.

The successful rescue marks the end of a traumatic ordeal that gripped Oyo State and drew attention to the persistent threat of school abductions in parts of the country. Families, community leaders, and education stakeholders have welcomed the development, while calls continue for improved security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Presidency has yet to release full details of the rescue operation, but the announcement has brought relief to families and communities who endured weeks of uncertainty following the abduction.

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

Published

1 month ago

June 15, 2026

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

……APFSPN Town Hall Meeting and Induction of New Members Set for June 17

The Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN) has announced plans to host its Inaugural Town Hall Meeting and New Members Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, Iganmu, Lagos.

The landmark event, themed “The Business Behind the Plate,” is expected to bring together stakeholders across Nigeria’s food service ecosystem, including caterers, restaurant owners, event food service providers, culinary professionals, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the future of the industry and strengthen professional collaboration.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, the newly elected President of APFSPN, Mr. Tobi Fletcher, said the Association was established to address the longstanding absence of structure, institutional support, and unified representation within Nigeria’s rapidly growing food service industry.

According to him, despite being one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, the food service industry has operated for too long without a coordinated voice capable of driving standards, recognition, and sustainable growth.

“APFSPN exists to professionalise the food service industry. We exist to give caterers, food vendors, restaurant owners, event food service providers, and every professional who works behind the plate a platform for growth, recognition, and collective strength.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

He explained that the theme of the event, “The Business Behind the Plate,” reflects the economic realities and entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding food service delivery in Nigeria.

“Behind every plate of food served at an event, in a restaurant, or at a corporate function, there is a business, a dream, and a livelihood. More importantly, over 90 percent of our members are women who wake up every day to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. APFSPN is here to ensure that these businesses are supported, protected, and celebrated.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Vice President of APFSPN, Mrs. Ibidunni Layade, emphasised the Association’s commitment to capacity building and the welfare of its members. She noted that APFSPN is not merely a professional body but a support system designed to elevate the standards of food service delivery across Nigeria.

“Our members are the backbone of Nigeria’s hospitality and events industry. What APFSPN offers is a structured pathway for them to access training, mentorship, business development resources, and a community that understands their unique challenges. This Town Hall Meeting is the beginning of that journey — a space where every food service professional can have a voice and be heard.” — Ibidunni Layade, Vice President, APFSPN

Mrs. Layade further stated that the induction of new members at the event underscores the Association’s rapid growth and the hunger within the industry for formal recognition and collective representation.

The Events Director of APFSPN, Ms. Temi Adelana, took the media through the programme of events for the Town Hall Meeting. She outlined a carefully curated agenda designed to combine ceremony, knowledge sharing, and networking.

“The event will commence at 9:00 AM with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by the opening ceremony, the presidential address, the keynote by our Guest Speaker, and the formal induction of new members. We have also incorporated panel discussions, an exhibition showcase featuring food service businesses, and structured networking sessions to ensure that every attendee leaves with tangible value and new connections.” — Temi Adelana, Events Director, APFSPN

Ms. Adelana added that the choice of the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture as the venue reflects the Association’s desire to position the food service industry within the broader narrative of Nigerian creativity, culture, and enterprise.

The event will also feature the formal induction of new members, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to building a professional body dedicated to excellence, ethics, innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria’s food service sector.

In further demonstration of the growing relevance of the Association, APFSPN disclosed that the event will attract international delegations and representatives from the Canadian Trade Commission and the Italian Trade Agency.

The Guest Speaker for the event is Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, DG/CEO of NIHOTOUR, while the Special Guest of Honour is High Chief Lai Labode, Aare Ona of Egbaland, and other top dignitaries.

With over 500 food service professionals and stakeholders expected in attendance, the event is positioned to become a defining moment for the industry and a launchpad for stronger institutional engagement.

Calling on the media to amplify the industry’s story, Fletcher described the gathering as more than an event.

“You are not merely covering an event; you are witnessing the beginning of a movement. We urge the media to help tell the story of the women and men who feed this nation and an industry that is ready to be recognised and taken seriously.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

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