Aremu-led RCCG sports team in Gbagada vows to use sports to evangelise, empower, and engage the youth

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Region 2, Gbagada, has vowed to utilise sports not just as a tool of evangelism, but also as a means of engaging and empowering youths.

The team believed this new initiative to use sports as a tool for evangelism, discipline, and youth engagement would have many positive impact on the community and Nigeria in the long run.
Under the leadership of Aremu Joshua Olutola, a pastor and the newly appointed Regional Sports Director, the church is blending faith with physical activity in a way that is drawing widespread attention.

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Aremu shared that his appointment was a mix of spiritual guidance and personal passion.

“A few years ago, pastor Bode Odesola nominated me to lead sports in Region 2. I believe it was divine,” he said.

A former school goalkeeper and competitive table tennis player, Aremu has always had a strong interest in sports. As a school owner, he has also remained actively involved in sporting activities with his students.

The recent Regional Sports Finals marked a significant milestone. It was the first time Region 2 held a structured qualifying event, following a template issued by RCCG’s National Directorate of Sports, headed by Adebayo Morufolu, a professor. “We’ve moved from informal selections to a merit-based competition. This is the maiden edition in our region,” said Aremu.

The sports festival features a range of events, including male and female football, basketball, table tennis, chess, Scrabble, Ayo Colophon, and track races such as 100m, 200m, 400m, and relays. Winners from the regional finals will proceed to compete at the Lagos zonal level, with the best athletes advancing to a Southwest tournament before the grand finals during the RCCG Annual Convention in August.

Beyond the athletic aspect, Aremu emphasised the role of sports as a powerful tool for outreach. “Sports can grow the church,” he said. “We once organised a street match and held a Sunday service on the pitch. Our attendance rose from 300 to over 700. Some of the youths from the match are now attending our church.”

He also pointed out that sports instil discipline—something that aligns with Christian values. “Discipline is key to success, whether in sports or ministry. Even in training, if a player loses the ball, they do press-ups. That teaches responsibility,” he noted.
However, Aremu admitted that organising the sports festival has come at a high cost, with much of the burden falling on a few committed individuals. “It’s financially demanding. We’re still settling some bills. But we’re focused on the impact,” he said.

He appealed to stakeholders—including corporate sponsors, churches, and private individuals—to support initiatives like this. “With more resources, we can reach more youths, transform more lives, and create future stars—both on the field and in the faith.”
With RCCG’s General Overseer, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, a pastor, and other senior leaders backing the vision, RCCG Region 2’s sports programme is quickly becoming a model for combining ministry with meaningful youth engagement.