KEY POINTS
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The free bus-to-work initiative impact drew more commuters this year.
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RCCG Youth Province 1 spent N40 million on the program.
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Ten long buses offered morning and evening trips across key Lagos routes.
A free transport initiative run by the Redeemed Christian Church of God has pulled in more commuters this year as its youth arm committed N40 million to a two-week bus-to-work program across Lagos and parts of Ogun. The project, led by RCCG Youth Province 1 in partnership with several other youth provinces, offered morning and evening trips on busy routes where transportation costs have climbed for months.\
Free bus initiative eases commuter costs
Youth Province 1 said the latest edition ran from November 24 to December 5. The group said demand grew steadily as workers searched for cheaper transport options. The buses set out from locations such as RCCG Jesus Palace in Festac to CMS, Oworonshoki to CMS, and several routes out of Redemption City, including 7UP, Sagamu, Trinity Towers in Victoria Island, and Agege. Ikorodu to Maryland also drew heavy ridership. Each route had return trips in the evenings to close the day.
The church noted that the program is in its second year. Leaders said it started as a response to rising transport fees and the pressure those fees placed on residents who faced growing expenses without matching income. The statement described transportation as “a significant burden,” which pushed the province to widen the reach of the buses and partner with Youth Provinces 2, 7, 14, 18, and 20.
Church expands transport routes across Lagos, Ogun
About 10 long yellow buses moved out daily and carried hundreds of riders. Pastor Oluwagbemileke Adeboye, Pastor-in-Charge of Youth Province 1, said the relief last year encouraged a repeat. He said the rides often created a calm start or close to the day as pastors shared short messages and prayers on board. He added that all riders were welcome, including those outside the church.
According to Punch, Adeboye said roughly N40 million was spent this year. He also noted that the province is preparing for RCCG’s Holy Ghost Congress slated for the second week of December. Pastor Martins Olusakin, who oversees CSR efforts, said many beneficiaries posted comments online praising the gesture. He said the reactions showed how much the support mattered to commuters.
Youth Province 1 had earlier launched a similar program in September for major routes in Lagos and Ogun. That rollout was tied to rising inflation and aimed to reduce daily transport costs while also offering spiritual guidance for those who wanted it.
