By Atlantic Reports

Residents of Agbowa-Ikosi in Epe, Lagos State, are benefiting from a community outreach programme that combines religious activities with healthcare, food assistance and economic empowerment, as the International Miracle Service (IMS) Church takes its humanitarian initiatives to the area.

The three-day programme, tagged “Agbowa Miracle Crusade”, began on Friday, 9 October 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, 11 October, with organisers targeting at least 5,000 beneficiaries.

Beyond its spiritual message, the initiative seeks to address practical challenges facing residents, particularly older people requiring medical attention, families experiencing economic hardship and young people seeking opportunities for self-reliance.

The crusade, themed “Emini” (It Is I, Be Not Afraid), has received the endorsement of the traditional ruler of Agbowa-Ikosi, Oba Owolabi Monson, Mabudede Aduloju II, the Abowa of Agbowa-Ikosi.

Free Medical Outreach Targets Elderly and Vulnerable Residents

One of the programme's major components is a free medical outreach held on Saturday morning, offering health screening, basic treatment and medical guidance to community members.

Residents underwent screening for health conditions, including elevated blood pressure and high blood sugar, while reading glasses were distributed to individuals identified as needing them.

Those presenting with severe medical conditions were referred for further medical attention.

The intervention is particularly relevant to older residents and low-income households, for whom the cost of medical consultations, routine screening and essential healthcare services can present significant financial challenges.

Although organisers expect the wider outreach to benefit at least 5,000 people, the number of residents who have received medical consultations, treatment or referrals has not yet been established.

The programme also includes food distribution, feeding activities and business start-up kits intended to provide immediate assistance and support economic independence.

'The Gospel Must Demonstrate Responsibility', Says Pastor Umoru

Speaking during the programme, IMS Team Lead and Convener, Pastor Andrew Umoru, explained that the initiative was designed to combine Christian evangelism with practical interventions that improve people's living conditions.

Umoru described the outreach as part of a religious vision for spiritual renewal and community development.

According to him, religious organisations have a responsibility to respond to the physical and economic needs of the communities in which they operate.

“You don’t preach the gospel to hungry people without taking care of their hunger. Jesus Christ demonstrated this during His earthly ministry.

“The gospel must demonstrate the responsibility embedded in it.

“Apart from preaching the Good News, we have developmental programmes for the people. We have a responsibility to care for them, feed children, empower youths and provide medical care for the elderly,” he said.

The cleric maintained that religious outreach should extend beyond preaching to initiatives capable of improving livelihoods, supporting families and creating opportunities for disadvantaged residents.

He also disclosed plans to develop the Agbowa sanctuary into a broadcast centre for the church's international evangelism activities.

“Through the Agbowa sanctuary, we are going to call people to salvation and reconciliation with God, and hopefully, a huge revival will be encountered in the town of Agbowa,” Umoru stated.

The proposed broadcast centre forms part of the ministry's longer-term plans, although details of its development timetable, funding and operational arrangements were not provided.

Traditional Ruler Welcomes Development Initiatives

The traditional ruler of Agbowa-Ikosi, Oba Owolabi Monson, welcomed the outreach, describing it as a positive contribution to the community's development.

The monarch said Agbowa-Ikosi remained open to partnerships with organisations, religious institutions and private individuals willing to undertake projects that improve residents' welfare.

He described the community as peaceful and possessing investment potential, while commending IMS Church and its partners for extending their activities to the area.

According to the monarch, the decision to bring healthcare, humanitarian assistance and empowerment programmes to Agbowa-Ikosi demonstrates the importance of extending development opportunities beyond major urban centres.

His remarks also highlighted the potential role of partnerships between community leadership, religious organisations and other stakeholders in addressing local needs.

Religious Organisations and Community Development

The Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Agbowa-Ikosi, Pastor Godwin Ayodele, expressed satisfaction with the community's reception of the programme.

Ayodele described residents' participation as phenomenal, noting the enthusiasm surrounding the religious and humanitarian activities.

The crusade is being organised in partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and other organisations.

The collaboration reflects the role faith-based institutions can play in providing supplementary social support, particularly in communities where access to affordable healthcare and economic opportunities remains a concern.

However, short-term humanitarian interventions are not substitutes for sustained investment in public healthcare, employment opportunities and essential infrastructure.

The longer-term value of the initiative will depend partly on whether beneficiaries requiring additional medical treatment receive appropriate follow-up care and whether recipients of business start-up kits obtain sufficient support to sustain their activities.

Beyond the Crusade: Sustaining the Impact

As the programme continues, attention will also turn to the practical outcomes of the empowerment initiatives and the extent to which they translate into lasting improvements for beneficiaries.

Important details remain unclear, including the number of people who have received medical treatment, the quantity of food packs and reading glasses distributed, and the number and types of business start-up kits provided.

Information about the selection of beneficiaries and arrangements for monitoring the progress of those receiving economic support would also help establish the programme's longer-term impact.

The crusade is expected to continue with evangelism activities on Saturday evening before concluding with a thanksgiving service on Sunday.

For Agbowa-Ikosi, the initiative offers immediate access to healthcare, humanitarian assistance and religious activities. Its wider significance will be measured not only by attendance but also by the lasting benefits delivered to residents after the three-day gathering ends.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.