The divine endorsement of Celestial Church of Christ by God remains unwavering. The Church continues to stand as a spiritual reflection of the Celestial realm on earth. Despite ongoing internal leadership conflicts and administrative challenges, the growth and establishment of parishes across Nigeria and beyond continue steadily, affirming the sustaining grace of God upon the Church.
The Founder, Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa consistently emphasized total dependence on God as the foundation of the Church. Through his teachings and spiritual instructions during his lifetime, he made it clear that the survival, relevance, and authority of Celestial Church of Christ are divinely anchored and not dependent on human structures alone.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE IMEKO CONVOCATION
The Annual Christmas Convocation at the World Headquarters, Imeko, Ogun State, remains the only gathering that unites Celestians from all parts of the world under one spiritual umbrella. Initially held in the Republic of Benin, the Church Constitution records that, through divine direction of the Holy Spirit, Pastor SBJ Oshoffa was inspired to relocate the annual service to Imeko.
This relocation was based on divine foresight and strategic spiritual reasoning, as Imeko was believed to be capable of accommodating a larger global gathering of Celestial members. Since the foundation of Imeko in 1982, the Pastor Founder firmly declared that the Church should assemble annually at Imeko for the Christmas Convocation. This instruction has been faithfully observed over the decades in honour of his vision and spiritual mandate.
IMEKO 2025 CONVOCATION: POST-EVENT REFLECTION
The 2025 Convocation has successfully concluded, and members have returned to their various destinations with renewed faith, trusting God for divine guidance in their personal lives and for the future of the Church. As tradition demands, attention now shifts toward assessment, accountability, and forward planning.
The Imeko Convocation Committee (ICC) of 2025, which has served for four years, is expected to convene to evaluate all activities, identify challenges, and make constructive recommendations for the incoming committee, and as its tenure expires this year.
As devoted members of the Church, it is both necessary and responsible to offer honest observations that will contribute to the Church’s development as it approaches 78 years of existence. These reflections are crucial for correcting administrative inefficiencies and ensuring that future convocations meet global standards while preserving the Church’s spiritual essence.
EXPANSION OF MERCY LAND
Mercy Land at Imeko remains a major spiritual focal point during the Convocation, attracting a massive number of worshippers with a strong emphasis on prayer rather than social engagement. The overwhelming turnout is a clear demonstration of members’ unwavering faith and spiritual hunger, even amid leadership challenges.
This phenomenon validates the vision of the Pastor Founder, who declared that all who gather at Imeko in faith will experience divine intervention. However, the current size of Mercy Land is grossly inadequate to accommodate the growing population of worshippers. Overcrowding poses serious safety risks and raises concerns about crowd control.
It is therefore strongly recommended that the Church authority urgently expand Mercy Land by creating at least four additional entrances and exits to allow for smooth movement and prevent potential stampedes. Drawing from the experience of 2024, it is commendable that the Mercy Land Committee implemented major altar renovations and enforced controlled access through strict gate regulations to prevent unauthorized entry. These measures should be sustained and further improved.
AUDIO SYSTEM AT MERCY LAND
The audio system deployed at Mercy Land during the 2025 Convocation was largely inadequate for the magnitude of the gathering. The sound output was weak, with an estimated reach of about –106 dB, and the extension speakers failed to deliver full-range sound coverage across the prayer ground.
It was evident that most of the musical instruments and sound equipment were rented, which limited overall sound quality and reliability. For a gathering of such global significance, this falls short of expectation. It is imperative that the Church authority, in collaboration with the incoming ICC, invests in a standard line-array sound system complemented by proper stage monitors and amplifiers. Owning and maintaining professional audio equipment will significantly enhance worship experience, communication efficiency, and the overall spiritual atmosphere of future convocations.
CELESTIAL HOSPITAL AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT IMEKO
The safety and well-being of worshippers must remain a top priority for both the Church authority and the Imeko Convocation Committee. The State General Hospital in Imeko, located near Baba Bada’s residence, is currently ill-equipped to handle medical emergencies associated with large-scale gatherings.
It is therefore recommended that the Church establishes a functional mini-clinic during convocations, supported by trained medical personnel. A dedicated medical outpost with a standby emergency vehicle would ensure prompt response and swift transfer of critical cases when necessary.
The Church is blessed with qualified doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals among its members. Harnessing these resources will greatly enhance medical preparedness during convocations. Notably, on 26th December 2025, the Pastor led a team to commission a new site for the construction of a Celestial hospital. While this development is commendable, prayers and accountability are essential to ensure that the project does not become “dead on arrival”, but rather translates into a functional and sustainable healthcare institution for the Church.
To be continued……
