By Dayo Emmanuel
The Christian Community Church International (CCCI) in Surulere, Lagos recently concluded activities marking its annual convention, highlighting its ongoing efforts to empower church members and the local community.
Addressing the media during the anniversary event, CCCI Founding Pastor, Pastor Solomon Aroboto, shared the church’s long-standing commitment to uplifting lives through a combination of food aid and skills training.
Founded shortly after his secondary school education, the church has gained recognition for its “community outreach” initiatives, which not only provide food but also equip individuals with skills to ensure long-term economic empowerment. This dual approach, launched annually during the church’s convention, serves immediate needs while promoting sustainable self-sufficiency within the community.
Two key initiatives that form the heart of the church’s outreach: community feeding and empowerment programs are what Aroboto explained extensively.
Foodstuff distribution
“The outreach has already distributed over 400 packs of foodstuffs, and the intention is to reach about 800 families,” he explained.
Alongside this outreach, the church in partnership with its diaspora members is also empowering 11 members with funds and tools for their businesses.
The church plans to support participants interested in technology-based businesses by providing laptops. “We have the outreach, which focuses on feeding the community, and the inreach, which focuses on empowerment. This year, we’re empowering 11 individuals from the church, supporting their business ventures and trades,” Aroboto said.
By prioritising practical skills, the church is fostering self-reliance among members, allowing them to support themselves and contribute to the community.
A recent beneficiary of the soap-making training now supplies soap to the church under a one-year contract, according to the church, turning her newly acquired skills into a sustainable income.
Educational & Health support
The church’s empowerment efforts extend beyond vocational training. They also include educational and health support, such as covering school fees for children from financially disadvantaged families and sponsoring health screenings for conditions like cervical cancer.
According to Aroboto, these multifaceted programs are designed to uplift individuals holistically—addressing both immediate needs and building pathways to long-term independence.
While food aid plays a crucial role, the church views empowerment as the key to solving long-term challenges. “We know feeding is not sustainable in the long term,” Aroboto emphasised.
He stated further on the sustainability of the scheme, “Once the food is gone, the hunger may return. That’s why we’re focusing on creating opportunities for self-sufficiency through training and business support. As the proverb goes, ‘Teach a man to fish,’ and that’s where the real impact lies.”
Beyond providing training, the church actively monitors the progress of beneficiaries, encouraging them to reinvest their skills back into the community. This cycle of empowerment has already led to a transformation, with former food-aid recipients now contributing to the outreach, expanding the church’s impact.
The outreach programs have also attracted attention beyond the church’s congregation, drawing non-Christian members of the local community, some of whom have begun to contribute to the outreach efforts. This inclusivity has even led to the introduction of a Yoruba-language service to accommodate the new members.
Global dimension
An alumnus of the Lagos State University, Aroboto, who resides in Europe, also noted the international support for the church’s empowerment mission. This global network of support strengthens the church’s commitment to transforming lives, providing both spiritual and practical assistance across borders.
Plans are underway to graduate participants this year in trades such as sewing, bead-making, and computer skills. The church leader hopes these graduates will become mentors, contributing to a sustainable foundation for economic self-sufficiency. “Those who complete the program are expected to become mentors and contributors, helping the church’s cycle of empowerment continue to grow,” Aroboto added.
Reflecting on the church’s progress, Aroboto remarked, “Seeing the church become a vital part of both societies—supporting education, health, and business initiatives—shows the essence of our mission. We’ve grown beyond just the message on Sunday mornings. Now, it’s about taking practical steps to touch lives and offer sustainable support to people in need.”
Duty of church
He emphasised that a church must serve as both a spiritual and social pillar within the community. “We are here to reveal Christ to our community,” he said, noting that compassion and service are at the core of Christ’s teachings. Through programs like “Operation Feed the Community” and other outreach events, the church aims to be a source of hope, offering not only spiritual guidance but also tangible support to those in need.
The church’s efforts reflect a broader vision of uplifting communities and creating lasting change through empowerment. “The impact we’re making is evidence of God’s hand in our journey. I’m grateful that our efforts are meaningful and sustainable, and I hope this inspires others to see the church as a place not just for spiritual nourishment but for real, impactful change,” Aroboto concluded.
As Nigeria’s unemployment rate rises to 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, and the food inflation rate climbs to 40.87% year-on-year in June 2024, the church’s initiatives are helping bridge the gap. Its efforts offer a model for both faith-based and secular organisations to emulate in addressing the needs of communities in difficult times.
Operation feed community
Resident Pastor of the church, Pastor Ayodele Abisagboola, shed light on the impact the church is having on the community through its various initiatives.
He explained that the operation, known as Operation Feed the Community, has been a significant benefit to local residents. “Operation Feed the Community is not just something we do during this convention. It’s something we carry out at every convention. It reflects our deep passion for the community. We are a community-centered church,” he said.
Abisagboola emphasized the importance of making a tangible impact. “If you’re in a community and the people in that community don’t feel your impact, then you’re not truly part of that community. A church in a community that doesn’t touch lives isn’t being a light. As the Bible tells us, we are meant to be the light and the salt of the world.”
He continued, “A church’s role in the community is to be both a spiritual light and a beacon of practical support. This is why our mission, vision, and values are rooted in being community-centered. In fact, our vision is to reveal Christ to our community, to show the people who Christ truly is. People don’t care how much you know; they care how much you care.”
Abandoned factories
Speaking on the growing trend of churches in Lagos purchasing derelict factories, Abisagboola clarified that churches aren’t responsible for the downfall of these businesses. “What caused these factories to shut down is the state of the economy, not the church. Someone built those factories to generate income. If the companies aren’t paying taxes, and the church steps in to pay those taxes, isn’t the church actually helping the economy?” he questioned.
He further argued, “When churches buy or rent these abandoned factories, they are contributing to the economy in ways that can’t be ignored. The church is stepping in to help.”
Using the example of his own church, CCCI, Abisagboola noted, “As small as we are, we pay staff salaries every month. Our staff pay taxes and contribute to the pension scheme. This is an addition to the economy. The church is a spiritual factory—not one that produces machines, but one that molds people. If one factory closes, and we can change the mindsets of 100 people, those 100 people can go out and start 100 new businesses. So when you look at it from a broader perspective, the church isn’t the problem; it’s adding value to the economy.”
On his expectations after the convention, Abisagboola said, “My hope is that the minds of those who attend will be transformed. You can’t change anyone until you change the way they think. Don’t just honor God, honor men too. Many don’t realize that honoring others is a seed—it comes back to you. The person you honor will remember your kindness forever.”
pastoring challenge
Reflecting on the challenges of pastoring, he shared, “We trust in God, and we know that it is His calling. He will always honor His name. One of the challenges we face is financing the work we do. We are here to raise people, and when you focus on the assignment, the work will fund itself. God will provide for His work.”
He added, “When you focus on people—helping them become who God wants them to be—those are the people who will support the work. The church’s vision attracts people, and when you align your vision with God’s mission, you won’t have trouble supporting that vision. In that vision, your own vision will flourish. That’s what we call ‘vision within a vision.’”