The anointment exercise holds great significance in our Church, symbolizing a spiritual elevation that transcends earthly realms. Unfortunately, the process has been marred by the presence of unqualified individuals who have unjustly claimed top positions. This not only undermines the sanctity of the exercise but also deprives deserving individuals of their rightful recognition.
Furthermore, shepherds have been known to exploit the anointment exercise for personal gain, turning it into a lucrative opportunity for financial gain. The lack of standardized criteria for issuing certificates has only exacerbated this issue, allowing for abuse and manipulation within the Church.
It is evident that the anointment exercise serves as a major source of income for the Church, with members eagerly applying for it each year. However, the Church authority has failed to allocate these funds towards meaningful initiatives such as infrastructure development in Imeko City, establishing parishes in different regions of Nigeria, or providing assistance to struggling parishes abroad.
One major challenge in the anointment process is the issue of authentic certificates. More than 75% of members who underwent anointment, had their their investiture, but lack the necessary certificates to validate their ranks. Shepherds are facing difficulties and complaints when trying to obtain anointment certificates from the Pastor’s Office. Some shepherds travel long distances to either the Ketu Office or Imeko to collect their certificates, only to encounter unjustifiable reasons from staff members at the Pastor’s Office. In some cases, shepherds are required to offer bribes or show excessive deference in order to secure certificates for their members.
Beginning on the 20th December 2024, shepherds will be visiting the Pastor’s Office in Imeko to seek clarification and assistance in obtaining certificates from two or more years ago. When speaking to one of the individuals responsible for certificate management, a clear explanation was not provided, resulting in unresolved delays that have persisted for years. The individual simply advised those experiencing delays in certificate collection to contact him for further assistance.
It is evident that the number of candidates registering for the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) exams each year surpasses the number of Church members attending the annual anointment exercise in Imeko. There have been discussions on various platforms suggesting that the Church should modernize the anointment process by digitizing it. This could involve creating an online registration portal on the Church’s official website, implementing an online form to streamline the process, manage multiple positions, address certificate delays, and establish a comprehensive database of members across different ranks.
The digitalization of the anointment exercise would not only enhance efficiency but also mitigate the risks associated with carrying cash to Imeko. Some shepherds put their lives in danger by transporting cash on the highway for registration purposes. It is crucial for the Church to prioritize the safety of these individuals, as incidents of robbery during travel have been reported. In such cases, parishioners demand refunds without any intervention from the Church authorities.
In conclusion, embracing digital solutions for the anointment exercise would not only improve operational efficiency but also safeguard the well-being of Church members and shepherds. It is imperative for the Church to consider these factors and take proactive measures to ensure a secure and seamless registration process for all participants.
