By Wale Mustapha, Lokoja.
The National Youth Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria (YOWICCN), the largest Orthodox youth movement in Africa, has celebrated its 6th General Assembly and 13th Anniversary at the United Evangelical Church (UEC) Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The three-day national event, held from November 7 to 9, 2025, drew delegates from across the country, ecumenical leaders, dignitaries, and youth representatives from various denominations under the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).
Themed “Compelled by Grace: Jesus Our Example” (Titus 2:11–12), the celebration was a colourful convergence of worship, reflection, and renewal of faith.
Lokoja’s serene atmosphere was filled with gratitude and praise as Christian youths marked thirteen years of unity, steady growth, and spiritual impact.
The theme, participants said, was both a challenge and a reminder for Christian youths to lead disciplined, purpose-driven lives that reflect the transforming power of God’s grace.
In his keynote address, the National President of YOWICCN, Barr. Ekpa Emmanuel Attai, urged Christian youths to let the love of Christ inspire their character, service, and leadership.
“Grace is not an excuse for mediocrity. “It is divine energy for excellence and moral courage. We are not coerced, but compelled by love — love that serves rather than seeks to be served, that sacrifices rather than competes, that shines rather than complains,”he declared.
He explained that to be “compelled by grace” is to be driven by love to do what is right and noble, even in adversity.
“If we are truly compelled by His grace,” he added, “then love will guide our words, our work, and our witness in society. We must be the light that shows Christ’s example to our nation,”he added.
Our correspondent reports that the celebration brimmed with life and cultural expression as youth choirs from CCN member denominations rendered melodious songs in Òkùn, Igala, Bassa, and Igbo dialects,symbolizing unity in diversity. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Youth, representing YOWICAN Choir Kogi State, joined in solidarity with soul-lifting renditions that deepened the spirit of fellowship.
Delivering the sermon, Pastor Alikali Monday urged Christian youths to reflect Christ’s grace through integrity, humility, and compassion. His message set a spiritual tone for subsequent plenary sessions that focused on youth leadership, faith, and social responsibility in today’s world.
In his national address, Barr. Attai described YOWICCN as “a divine movement, not just a youth gathering,” built on four foundational pillars — Spiritual Reawakening, Leadership Development, Social Impact, and Institutional Strengthening.
“Our movement is not political but prophetic,” he said. “We are not driven by ambition but by assignment, not seeking titles but testimonies, not applause but impact.”
He expressed gratitude to partners and sponsors, describing them as “co-labourers in the vineyard of Christ,” whose generosity represents “a ministry of encouragement and an investment in a generation.”
The Assembly climaxed with the election of a new leadership team headed by Bro. Emmanuel Ayokunle Eniade, who will steer the affairs of YOWICCN for the next term with renewed zeal to promote Christian unity, leadership, and service among Nigerian youths.
The National President advised the youth:“You are the church of today, not tomorrow. Do not let the noise of the world drown the voice of your calling. You are chosen, capable, and anointed for relevance. Together, let us march as one body, undaunted, unashamed, and unstoppable till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The programme was anchored by Clement Adeojo, YOWICCN Chairman, Kogi State, and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, whose coordination added colour and warmth to the celebration.
Among dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Kogi State,Elder Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, Chief Edward Onoja,Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel A. S. Egbunu, Diocesan Bishop of Lokoja (Anglican Communion); Bishop John Ibenu, immediate past Kogi CAN Chairman; and Rev. Samuel S. Essien, Chairman, CCN Kogi State.
Also in attendance were Hon. Justice Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Hon. Justice S. O. Ochimana (Rtd.), Hon. Justice H. E. Yusuf, alongside other magistrates, legal practitioners, royal fathers, and church leaders who have continually supported the youth and ecumenical movements across Nigeria.
Notable personalities were honoured with Pillar of Ecumenism and Ambassadorial Awards for their outstanding commitment to church unity, youth empowerment, and Christian service.
The event ended with thanksgiving, worship, and a renewed sense of mission. As the YOWICCN family sang in unison, one truth echoed across the hall,YOWICCN is not just a youth organization; it is a living movement of grace, shaping lives, uniting the Church, and rekindling revival across Nigeria.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
