Kwara YOWICAN Empowers 45 Youths, Urges Christian Leaders to Embrace Integrity

 

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in Kwara State has empowered 45 youths with vocational equipment, cash and other materials to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance and economic independence.

The initiative, unveiled at the fifth YOWICAN convention in Ilorin on Saturday, was designed to equip Christian youths with practical skills and opportunities to become productive members of society.

Speaking at the convention, tagged “ANAGKAZO: Dominion,” the convener and state chairman of YOWICAN, Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, challenged Christian youths to embrace integrity, develop their capacities and deploy their talents to drive positive change.

Awoyale stressed that dominion was not about wielding power or occupying positions of authority but about accepting responsibility, demonstrating leadership and serving humanity.

He urged the youths to remain trustworthy and resist the temptation to compromise their convictions for money, societal pressure or popularity.

“Our greatest asset as Christian youths is not our education, connections, money, popularity or position. Our greatest asset is character,” he said.

He explained that the empowerment programme was part of the organisation’s commitment to raising a generation of Christian youths capable of combining spiritual commitment with practical achievements.

“Our vision is clear: empowering youths, creating opportunities and raising a generation that will exercise dominion through service, excellence and integrity.

“We do not want young people who can only pray; we want young people who can pray and also work,” Awoyale said.

He disclosed that the 45 beneficiaries were selected from the various blocs that make up CAN and across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State to ensure wider representation.

The YOWICAN chairman also encouraged Christian youths to explore opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, media, politics and other sectors while remaining committed to godly values.

He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting the organisation and appreciated other sponsors who contributed to the success of the convention and the empowerment initiative.

In his goodwill message, the Kwara CAN chairman, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, represented by the association’s secretary, Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, described dominion as the practical expression of the authority given to humanity through Christ.

According to him, Christian youths must move beyond their spiritual potential to demonstrate their faith through purposeful living, service and active participation in society.

“It means moving beyond spiritual potential into practical manifestation; taking territory in prayer, expanding the Kingdom through radical soul-winning, mastering our callings and establishing God’s righteousness across every sphere of society,” he said.

Delivering the sermon, Pastor Bola Paimo described dominion as the ability to exercise authority and power responsibly, citing Genesis 1:26 and Psalm 8:4-9 to explain humanity’s divine mandate.

He observed that ignorance and a poor understanding of God’s purpose had prevented many people from fulfilling their potential.

Paimo urged believers to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, stressing that spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of divine purpose were essential to exercising godly dominion.

Also speaking, a youth and teenager minister, Mrs Modupe Joel, said a godly influencer was someone whose character, words and actions positively shaped the attitudes and decisions of others.

She noted that genuine influence went beyond wealth, public recognition and positions of authority, requiring adherence to godly principles and the responsible use of one’s abilities.

Joel identified ignorance, confusion, deception and lack of direction as some of the factors preventing young people from realising their potential.

She urged Christian youths to discover their purpose, uphold godly values and deploy their talents towards addressing societal challenges and promoting positive change.