LAND ACQUISITION OF CELESTIAL CHURCH IN IMEKO
The Land Acquisition Act of 1979, Article 19 guarantees that all citizens have the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property in Nigeria. In accordance with this, Celestial Church of Christ has acquired acres of land in Imeko under the jurisdiction of the Land Use Act. However, the current design of Imeko does not clearly indicate the boundaries of Celestial Church of Christ Land. It is imperative that the Church authority constructs demarcations to clearly define the boundary between the Church and Imeko City. If existing boundaries are dilapidated, they should be rebuilt. This measure will help control activities such as selling items, gambling, and alcohol consumption within the Church’s premises. While the Church cannot restrict the indigenous people of Imeko from selling goods of their choice, the demarcation will allow the Committee to allocate space for sellers and monitor the items sold to members during our annual convocation.
PAPA SBJ OSHOFFA’S HOUSE
The legacy of Papa SBJ Oshoffa serves as a cornerstone for our religious organization. The properties of Pa SBJ Oshoffa, Baba Bada, Baba Ajelekoko, and others in Imeko belong to their descendants, but the Church is responsible for maintaining the premises. In particular, the house of Pa SBJ Oshoffa is in need of renovation. The accumulation of waste at the second entrance must be cleared, and environmental protection measures should be implemented. Additionally, the roof of the building requires replacement. Both the Church authority and the ICC must be mindful of the significance of this building as a symbol in Imeko.
LAND ALLOCATION TO PARISHES AT A 50% DISCOUNT
During the harmattan season in Nigeria, temperatures can drop as low as 9°C (48°F). This poses a challenge for the Church’s yearly convocation, as the Church authority and the ICC are unable to provide accommodation for members during this period. To address this issue, an alternative solution must be implemented to allow parishes and members to acquire land for accommodation.
It is proposed that the Church authority and the ICC introduce a 50% discount for parishes to purchase land through the Church. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) should be established with a time limit of 24 months for the completion of building for all interested parishes. This policy will not only increase the number of worshippers but also ensure that members have access to bathroom facilities in their parish houses.
The 24-month completion deadline will incentivize parishes and members to follow through with their building projects. Failure by the Church authority to address the accommodation policy at Imeko before the middle of the year may result in estate developers such as Aron Properties, Mutual Benefit and Homes Properties, Tpumpy Properties, etc., purchasing the majority of lands in Imeko from the indigenes and selling them to Celestial members at a higher cost.
It is imperative that proper survey plans are enforced, along with adequate drainage systems, to enhance the beauty of the city. Additionally, infrastructure such as vehicular and human traffic networking, as well as general building aesthetics necessary for modern living, should be considered. A functional fire service unit should also be established to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
AUDIO SOUND AT THE BASILICA
With Europe dominating the African market, it is no longer acceptable for Celestial Church of Christ to continue renting musical instruments for our annual convocation. At the recent Christmas Eve Service, the extension line of the Front of House (FOH) line array speakers experienced constant signal loss, disrupting the worship experience for our congregation. It is imperative that the Church authority establishes partnerships with reputable Nigerian musical companies that have direct ties to Chinese manufacturers in order to procure high-quality branded musical instruments for the Basilica.
INTERNET DISCONNECTION
Upon arrival at Imeko for the convocation, members are faced with the frustrating reality of unreliable internet connectivity, hindering their ability to stay connected with loved ones back home. Recognizing this issue, the media team of the Pastor’s office has taken proactive measures by setting up a mobile network provider station at the entrance of the basilica. Moving forward, the Church authority, in collaboration with the Imeko Convocation Committee should engage with major network providers such as Glo, MTN, Airtel, and Etisalat to install signal cables on the premises.
Furthermore, negotiations should be initiated to secure discounted rates for the provision of land required to accommodate the installation of network equipment. This strategic initiative will greatly enhance the overall experience for our members, enabling them to stay connected with the outside world during our annual convocation.
To be concluded………………………..
