Laolu Gbenjo, Chioma Jesus, Mercy Chinwo, others to light up Port Harcourt

The garden city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State is already vibrating and anticipating in what is being described as one of the largest outreach crusades ever held in the state.

The highly anticipated humanitarian and evangelistic movement founded by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW) will be holding its crusade in the state with leading gospellers as headliners.

Speaking at a press briefing, Pastor Ashimolowo said the vision for CCRW grew out of years of ministering in remote African communities, especially in Ghana, where he visited repeatedly for eight years. After months of prayer, he said Port Harcourt was chosen as the next location under the theme: “Port Harcourt, This Is Selfless Love.”

“CCRW began in Ikorodu in 2023, expanded to Ibadan in 2024, and now lands at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium from November 24–29, 2025. And to bless the souls of PH with soul lifting performances are Laolu Gbenjo Chioma Jesus, Mercy Chinwo, Lillian Nneji, Sensational Bamidele, Testimony Jaga among others,” Ashimolowo revealed.

Ashimolowo revealed that the Port Harcourt edition is the most expensive yet almost four times the cost of the first outreach and twice the Ibadan budget. The medical component alone will run for three weeks across major hospitals, including the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and several PHCs.

According to him, 1,130 surgical cases including thyroid, fibroid and cataract cases have already been screened, with 70,000 people expected to benefit from the medical services.

He praised the Rivers State Government for what he called “unprecedented cooperation,” especially in hospital deployment and support staffing.

On relief support, he listed the staggering quantities to be distributed: 150,000 bags of rice, 150,000 bags of beans,150,000 packs of garri, 100,000 noodles, 20,000 packs of salt, sugar and oil, 20,000 bags of soap, 170,000 clothing items, including 10,000 Ankara wrappers, 25,000 buckets and 1,000 mattresses for the elderly.

Distribution will be strictly organised with coupons collected on Monday, November 24. The stadium will also be divided into sections based on gender and age groups to maintain order.

Over 9,000 volunteers have been mobilized, and 150 buses are set to convey people from rural communities such as Ogoniland, Ahoada, Igwuruta and Oginigba. Campgrounds have been secured for visitors travelling from remote areas.

Beyond the humanitarian efforts, Ashimolowo emphasised that the heart of CCRW remains evangelism. The goal is for 30,000 people to commit their lives to Christ, with nightly sessions featuring prayers, healing and miracles.

Security has also been stepped up with 300 police officers and soldiers deployed for the six-day programme.

A ministers’ conference will run alongside the crusade, featuring speakers from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and the United States, including Pastor Poju Oyemade, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, Bishop Tudor Bismark, Dr. Festus Adeyeye, Jonathan Shuttlesworth and Rev. Steve Mensah.

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