In a significant effort to combine faith with social impact, Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Founder and Lead Pastor of Celebration Church International (CCI), has launched Propella Schools, the church’s first free school, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The school was officially commissioned on Monday, September 15, and began academic activities with around 80 students. It aims to provide quality education at no cost to children from underprivileged backgrounds. According to the church, the initiative was created with the goal of giving children an environment where they can thrive and realize their dreams.
Earlier this year, in January, Pastor Iren hinted at the school’s development in a post on X, saying the new school in Ibadan was taking shape and would start soon.
In a symbolic moment captured in a viral video, Pastor Iren rang the school’s first bell to mark the official start of classes. Sharing the clip on social media, he wrote: “I rang the first bell. @propellaschools is live! The first free school of @cci_global is live. We have started with about 80 students. Help me thank everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
The initiative has received widespread praise on social media, especially at a time when financial difficulties and the cost of school materials often hinder children’s education in Nigeria. Propella Schools offers free education with modern facilities, making it an important development for the community.
Nigerians have praised the initiative, applauding its impact and vision. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the project as “commendable.” Also, medical doctor Dr. Mary called on bloggers to help spread the news, urging, “Bloggers! Where are you? This is something for you to repost. Don’t wait till they talk about vigils.”
Similarly, social media user Ọmọ́táyọ̀ Olókèdé wrote on X, “This is beautiful, sir, and the entire CCI. Increase in all ramifications, I pray. God bless you @pst_iren.”
As Propella Schools opens its doors, many see it as a shining example of what faith based organizations can achieve when vision is combined with purposeful action, empowering communities one child at a time.
