The Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, has announced significant directives aimed at advancing the infrastructural development of the Celestial Holy City in Imeko, Ogun State.
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These directives, detailed in a memo titled “The Journey Continues – Together, We Must Build Celestial City, Imeko, Into Our Own Jerusalem,” are designed to propel the Imeko City Development Project towards substantial progress before the church’s December 2024 Annual Convocation Programme.
Central to the directives is a call for proactive financial participation from all members and leaders of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Reverend E.M.F. Oshoffa mandated that Shepherds contribute N5,000 monthly, while those in the diaspora are to contribute $2/€2/£1 monthly towards the Imeko City Development project.
Additionally, all church members are expected to donate N2,000 monthly towards the same cause.
Furthermore, each parish has been instructed to remit a levy of N5,000 towards the Imeko City Development Project from the proceeds of the Juvenile Harvest, distinct from regular returns.
During Adult Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations, parishes worldwide are required to allocate 15 minutes for awareness and fundraising towards the project, in collaboration with the Harvest Officiating Minister from the Pastor’s office.
To streamline the financial contributions, Reverend E.M.F. Oshoffa emphasised that all funds should be channelled into a dedicated Zenith Bank account (Account Number 1225674111, named CCC P.I.C. Works and Projects Committee).
Coordination of these efforts will be overseen by Shepherds and Administrative Heads appointed for this purpose.
The memo also underscored the historical significance of the project, echoing the vision of the late founder of the church, Saint Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, to elevate Imeko into a revered pilgrimage site for Christians globally.
Reverend E.M.F. Oshoffa expressed confidence in the progress achieved during the initial phase of the Imeko City Development Project, which commenced last year.
Milestones include connecting the Imeko Basilica to the National Grid, constructing drainage systems, and installing solar-powered street lights.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the Imeko City Development Project aims to expand the Celestial Basilica by 50 metres on each side to accommodate growing congregations.
Additionally, plans are in place to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings through the “Say No to Dust in Imeko” beautification initiative, which includes the tarring of roads adjacent to the Basilica upon project completion in December 2024.
Reverend E.M.F. Oshoffa concluded the memo by stressing the necessity for Administrative Heads and Shepherds to provide proof of payment for the Imeko City Development Levy before their requests can be processed at the Pastor’s office.
With these directives, the Celestial Church of Christ aims to fulfil the vision of its founder and ensure Imeko becomes a beacon of spiritual significance and communal pride.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
