10 Years of Spreading Love to the Less-privileged

Vanessa Obioha

For the motley crowd that convened at the premises of the Rock Cathedral in Ikate, Lekki last weekend, the Christmas period brings good tidings. Of course, it is a season of giving and merrymaking but they may not know that it is Christmas if not for the generosity of the church, through its annual charity event ‘Project Spread’.

The Senior Pastor of the church Paul Adefarasin and his team in the past 10 years have continually blessed the less-privileged with food items every Christmas period. The charity event often comes after The Experience, the church’s signature gospel musical concert that has become the biggest event in the continent. Each edition sees more than 3,000 beneficiaries from different parts of Lagos throng the different locations where they receive food items. They are mostly elderly women with little children. Oftentimes, the church organises a special Christmas party for the children where they get to take home toys and other gifts, giving them that sense of belonging despite their poor status.

With the economy biting hard, the church’s gate was already teeming with people as of seven in the morning. By the time the gates were opened and they were given their access cards, they stampeded their way into the premises, eager to get a favourable spot. Their disposition was a heady mix of desperation and hope. Desperate on one hand to gain access and hope on the other hand that the festive period will not be bleak.

For some of them who have always been part of the project, watching Pastor Paul enter the open ground with his wife was an overwhelming experience. They gave him resounding applause in appreciation of his goodwill towards them.

Even though Project Spread puts food on their tables, Adefarasin was quick to remind them that his vision goes beyond giving them fish, rather he wants them to become fishermen. He disclosed plans to build a tech hub where the younger ones will learn computer-related studies as he noted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in today’s world.

Adefarasin also advised them to shun politicians’ gifts, particularly as the 2023 general elections approach.

“Don’t ask them for rice and chicken, ask for good governance. Good leadership is not giving you rice and chicken. It’s about giving you good governance to build your house, create equal opportunities in Nigeria and send your children to good schools.”

He further urged them to get their voter cards and vote for the right people because according to him, only the right people can take the country to the next level.

As they departed the venue, their look of desperation was replaced by satisfaction. Indeed with their pack of rice, protein and vegetable oil, the less-privileged can experience the joy of Christmas.