The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara State Chapter, over the weekend empowered 100 widows with ₦50,000 each as well as 100 youths with ₦10,000 each.
Chairman of YOWICAN in Kwara, Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, disclosed this during the annual youth conference of the association held in Ilorin at the weekend.
Awoyale, who declared the theme of the program as “The Light of the World”, said the empowerment program is a regular initiative of YOWICAN and is usually done in phases.
“Our empowerment happens in phases. This year, we are giving Rs 50,000 each to 100 widows and Rs 10,000 each to 100 youth in the 16 local government areas of the state.
He said, “Before the end of the year, we will launch another phase of empowerment. At YOWICAN we aim to empower youth to lead by shining their light in character, service, innovation, leadership, faith and love.”
He said this year's beneficiaries include widows of deceased pastors who faithfully worked in the vineyard of Christ.
Awoyale expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the initiative, especially Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razak, for their continued encouragement and support to Christian youth in the state.
He said, “Every year, the Governor supports us with his goodwill and prayers and for that we are very grateful. May God continue to strengthen him.”
He also commended Senator Sadiq Umar representing Kwara North; CAN President, Rt. Thanks to Rev. Sunday Adewole, CAN Secretary, Shina Ibiyemi and Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company among others for their contribution to the success of the program.
In his message, guest speaker, Director of Youth and Student Ministries at the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Olawui James, said that “the problem of darkness is not darkness itself but the absence of light.”
He reminded the youth that it is a divine commission from Jesus Christ to shine as the light of the world.
He urged the youth to move forward and shine despite the challenges they face, saying, “You cannot claim to be a disciple of Christ if your light is not visible to those around you.”
Also speaking, Wayne. Moses Esan, in his sermon titled “The Church as a Symbol of Light to the Nation”, charged the church to serve as a moral compass in society.
He warned, “Stand out, be the light. Do not move, do not move and always stand for the truth.”
On his part, Professor Faye Adepoju urged the youth not to compromise their values or neglect spiritual development.
He said: “Purpose requires discipline, preparation and humility. Without discipline, gifts can destroy a person faster than failure,” he said, encouraging youth to stay connected with God's Word.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed gratitude for the financial assistance.
Fadipe Adeola thanked Yowikan for remembering the widows, noting that the cash gift would help them start a small business for sustenance.
Another beneficiary, Chioma Ane, described the move as timely, saying, “I commend the governor, senators and Yowikan for such intervention – it has come at the right time.”
