When a good idea is introduced, it becomes important that we show support, encouragement and solidarity towards such an initiative. One of the major agitations among members of Celestial Church of Christ has been that the less-privileged and shepherds serving in rural areas should become major beneficiaries of welfare programmes within the Church. Against this background, the decision of Mother Celestial Celine Oshoffa, wife of the Pastor to introduce a welfare initiative specifically targeting vulnerable shepherds is a commendable step. It is therefore important that this initiative receives the necessary publicity, encouragement and support from members and stakeholders across the Church.
Mother Celestial Celine Oshoffa’s Shepherds’ Hope and Care Initiative (SHCI), the programme is designed to provide care packages and cash assistance to 150 carefully selected shepherds during the 2026 Imeko Convocation. According to the announcement from the Office of the Pastor’s Wife, the initiative seeks to bring relief and encouragement to shepherds who, despite challenging personal circumstances and limited financial resources, continue to serve faithfully in God’s vineyard.
The initiative specifically targets shepherds serving in remote communities where their parishes are still struggling to grow and establish themselves, those presiding over low-income parishes while equally experiencing personal financial difficulties, shepherds living with physical disabilities, and elderly shepherds whose advancing years have considerably reduced their physical strength and ministerial capacity. Qualified shepherds from all countries are eligible to participate, making the initiative an international welfare intervention within the Celestial fold.
Interested shepherds are required to submit their full names, parish names and locations, ages, and information on whether they are physically disabled through WhatsApp only to +234 702 520 1947. Registration commenced on Thursday, 5th November 2026 and will close on Monday, 23rd November 2026. According to the announcement, only the first 150 qualified shepherds to register will be considered, while the names of successful beneficiaries are scheduled to be announced on Monday, 30th November 2026.
However, while applauding this laudable initiative, Celestial Prerogative News considers it important that the organisers also give serious attention to the transportation challenges that some of the selected beneficiaries may encounter. Considering that the initiative specifically targets less-privileged shepherds, particularly those serving in rural and financially disadvantaged communities, transportation to Imeko should form part of the welfare considerations. For instance, a shepherd travelling from states such as Benue, Kogi, Ondo or Enugu to Imeko, Ogun State, may spend over ₦50,000 or even ₦100,000 on transportation, depending on the distance and prevailing transport costs. It would therefore be unfortunate if a beneficiary had to spend a substantial part, or even the entirety, of the financial assistance received simply to travel to Imeko to collect the package. We respectfully appeal to M/C Celine Oshoffa and the organisers to consider making special transportation arrangements or providing logistical support for beneficiaries travelling from distant locations. Such consideration would ensure that the intended beneficiaries genuinely enjoy the full benefits of the programme without being burdened by additional expenses.
The presentation ceremony is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 23rd December 2026, in front of the Pastor’s residence at Celestial City, Imeko, Ogun State, where Mother Celestial Celine Oshoffais expected to personally present the welfare packages to the 150 beneficiaries. Celestial Prerogative News commends Mother Celestial for taking this positive step towards the welfare of shepherds and calls on church leaders, members, philanthropists and other stakeholders to support and encourage the initiative. Indeed, caring for those who labour tirelessly in God’s vineyard is an investment in the strength, growth and future of the Church. A shepherd who cares for the flock also deserves to be cared for.
Celestial Prerogative News
