Follow Us on Google
By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
In preparation for the 10th edition of its annual Camp Meeting, Dominion City Headquarters in Lagos is calling on the government to deepen its partnership with the Church in addressing youth development and societal challenges.
At a press briefing heralding the forth coming event, the Resident Pastor, Shola Olapade, commended the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for its support over the years. However, he emphasised the need for more intentional collaboration between the government and faith-based organisations, particularly churches.
“I thank the Lagos State Government and various institutions for the partnership we have enjoyed over the years, but I strongly advocate for more partnership with the Church. The truth is, the Church is the best institution to partner with. We exist to support the government’s efforts, and people are the most valuable assets any nation can invest in,” Pastor Olapade said.
Pastor Olapade spoke passionately about the power of the Church to impact lives, transform communities, and empower citizens. He believes that effective governance is impossible without the proper development of human capital and that spiritual and moral foundations are essential to this development.
The upcoming Camp Meeting, themed “Manifest The Kingdom: Seeing and Owning the Future,” is scheduled to take place from April 17 to 21, 2025, at the Dominion City Headquarters in Ajah, Lagos. According to Pastor Olapade, the event is expected to draw thousands of participants, both from within Nigeria and abroad, creating a significant boost in local economic activity.
“I can confidently say that not less than a billion naira will be injected into the Ajah economy during the five-day event,” he stated. “The Camp Meeting is not just a spiritual gathering. It stimulates business, encourages entrepreneurship, and uplifts the community.”
The event is also designed to tackle societal ills plaguing Nigerian youths. Pastor Olapade expressed deep concern about the increasing rate of drug abuse, child trafficking, sexual abuse, and other forms of exploitation among young people. “Our children and teenagers are under attack, these issues are real and troubling. As a church, we have declared an emergency on these matters. We’re taking deliberate steps to address them,” he said.
To this end, a key feature of the Camp Meeting will be youth-focused sessions designed to educate and empower participants. These sessions will include talks on the dangers of drug abuse, with facilitators equipped to engage and counsel attendees. The aim, Pastor Olapade explained, is not just to preach to the youths but to equip them with the tools to become change agents in their communities.
In addition to spiritual teachings, the Camp Meeting will offer a wide range of developmental programs, including entrepreneurial training through the King Solomon Business School, vocational and media skill acquisition workshops, sessions on the entertainment industry, and a school of ministry for aspiring spiritual leaders.
Pastor Olapade described the Camp Meeting as the flagship program of Dominion City, which started in Enugu decades ago and has since expanded with branches across Nigeria and internationally. “This is not just a church program; it’s a platform for transformation,” he said.
The 2025 edition will also feature international facilitators and gospel artists from South America, North America, other African nations, and Nigeria. Worshippers who cannot attend in person will be able to participate online, with experience centers set up to enhance accessibility.
As the church prepares for the landmark event, Pastor Olapade reiterated his central message: meaningful national transformation requires more than just policy—it requires investing in people, starting with their spiritual, moral, and intellectual foundations. He believes the Church stands ready to help shape a better future for Nigeria through consistent and strategic partnership with the government.
