Youths and young adults of the RCCG Dunamis Assembly, Badagry, celebrated African cultural diversity while promoting love, compassion and unity at a special Sunday programme.
The programme, tagged African Cultural Sunday, was held at the Zonal headquarters in Badagry today, October 18, 2026, featuring cultural presentations, traditional cuisines and historical insights into four African countries.
Participants were divided into four groups representing Egypt, Rwanda, Ghana and Kenya, with each team showcasing the traditions, languages, songs, clothing, food and lifestyles of its chosen country.
The cultural displays added colour to the gathering, as participants dressed in outfits reflecting their respective countries. Other church members also embraced the occasion by appearing in Nigerian traditional attire.
Beyond the cultural exhibitions, the programme featured a sermon by Mr Samuel Akinwale, who challenged Christians to demonstrate genuine love through selflessness, compassion and concern for the welfare of others.
Speaking on the topic, “One Love — Living Beyond Yourself,” with Philippians 2:4–5 as the Bible passage, Akinwale said Christianity required believers to demonstrate God’s love through practical actions rather than mere words.
He stressed that Christians could not claim to love God while remaining indifferent to the suffering of people around them, citing 1 John 3:17–18, Acts 2:44–46 and 1 Corinthians 13:4–7.
Addressing what he described as a major challenge in Africa, the preacher identified selfishness and the “only me” mentality as obstacles to collective progress.
He urged the congregation to embrace a life of compassion in which the struggles of others become a shared concern, noting that Christ’s example called believers to live beyond their personal interests.
In explaining the meaning of love, Akinwale highlighted compassion, sharing and unity as essential expressions of genuine Christian living.
Drawing from 1 John 3:17, he emphasised that love begins with recognising the needs of others, while the account of the early Church in Acts 2:44–46 illustrated the importance of sharing resources and supporting one another.
“Your money, your food, your clothes, and your knowledge are not only for you,” he said, urging members to use their resources and abilities to benefit others.
The preacher also described unity as a commitment to stand together even when circumstances become difficult, encouraging Christians not to abandon one another because of disagreements or a lack of material benefits.
Referencing Romans 15:2 and Philippians 2:5, he called on the congregation to embrace the mind of Christ through selflessness, generosity and genuine concern for the wider community.
He further encouraged the church to become a family where members support one another, share what they have and work towards a common purpose.
In his closing charge, Akinwale urged participants to look beyond the colourful outfits and cultural performances associated with the celebration.
“African Sunday is not just about wearing different countries’ attire; it is about wearing different countries’ attitudes,” he said.
The sermon concluded with prayers for deliverance from selfishness and for the church to become a place of genuine love, sharing, compassion and unity.
The programme ended with a thanksgiving session and photo opportunities involving the youths, bringing the cultural celebration to a close.