At AYF Conference Dame Okowa tasks private, public sectors on youth empowerment

The First Lady of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa, has called on Nigerians in both private and public sectors to encourage the youths by creating an enabling environment for them to succeed in their individual and collective endeavours. She made the call while speaking at a talk session themed, ‘Worry and Depression: The Pain of Possibilities’ organised by the Anglican Youth Fellowship of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), to mark their 62nd Annual National Bible Study Conference held at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Delta State.

The conference, which started on Wednesday, August 7 to Sunday, August 11, 2019 was declared open by the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh, who was represented by the host Archbishop, Most Rev’d Friday John Imaekhai.

The conference theme tagged: ‘The God of all Possibilities’ taken from Luke 18:27 witnessed the presence of about 7,500 registered delegates from across the country. It started with a Holy Communion service celebrated by Ven. A. O. Azuh and assisted by a cream of clergymen of Asaba Diocese. Other days of the conference started with a corporate devotion with resource persons such as The Rt. Rev’d John U. Aruakpor, JP (Bishop of Oleh Diocese), The Rt. Rev’d Augustine E. Ohilebo, JP (Bishop of Sabongida-Ora), and Evang. Emeka Chukwuocha.

Ven. Richard N. Okpara, JP of the Diocese of Ahoada handled the talk, themed: “The God of all possibilities” while the Bible exposition on the book of Luke and Month of sacrifice with the Topic, “The Principles of Costly Sacrifice” was moderated by The Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Ikeakor. Exposition on the book of Ezekiel was handled by The Rt. Rev’d Rufus V. A. Adepoju, JP (Bishop of Ekiti-West). Talks on “Agriculture (Agro-Farming): A Panacea to Curbing Unemployment amongst the youths” was given by Rt. Rev’d Dr. Peter O. J. Imasuen (Bishop of Benin Diocese) and Dr. O. G Adudu who spoke on “Halitosis and Dental Health.”

The Conference also featured sessions of ‘Faith Clinic’, facilitated by Rt. Rev’d Foreman Nedison (Bishop of Jalingo Diocese) and Rt. Rev’d Jolly E. Oyekpen, JP (The National Coordinator). There was also a plenary session, where issues bordering the growth of the fellowship were discussed and decisions taken towards achieving the goals and visions of the fellowship. A quiz competition session for both adults and stars were conducted in which the dioceses of Okene, Awka and Ahoada took the first, second and third positions for the adults, while dioceses of Lagos Mainland, Aba and Orlu took the first, second and third positions, respectively, for Youth Stars.

Other dignitaries who graced the event include the National Coordinator of the Fellowship/Bishop of Akoko Edo Diocese – The Rt. Rev. Jolly E. Oyekpen JP; The Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey E. Ekpenisi, (Bishop of Ika Diocese); The Rt. Rev’d (Dr.) Rufus Adepoju (Bishop of Ekiti-West); The Rt. Rev’d F. G. V. Amgbere (Bishop of Northern Izon);

The rest are Rt. Rev J. O. B. Bada JP (Bishop of Etsako); The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Chiedu Ebiye; Sir Byron Unini, Asaba Diocesan Registrar with his wife, Sir Barr/ Dame (Mrs) Imo Nwabuoku.

Dame Edith Okowa was also decorated as a Fellow of the Fellowship.

Bro. Brown A.H. Lloyd is the National President of the AYF, Nigeria.