The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara State Chapter, has empowered 100 widows with ₦50,000 each and 100 youths with ₦10,000 each as part of its ongoing support initiative for members across the state.
Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, chairman of YOWICAN in Kwara, announced the empowerment at the association’s Annual Youth Convention held in Ilorin at the weekend. Themed “The Light of the World,” the event highlighted the importance of service, leadership, and character development among Christian youths.
Awoyale explained that the empowerment exercise is a continuous programme of the youth wing and is usually carried out in phases. “Our empowerment comes in phases. This year, we are giving ₦50,000 each to 100 widows and ₦10,000 each to 100 youths across the 16 local government areas of the state,” he said. “Before the end of the year, we will roll out another phase of empowerment. Our mandate at YOWICAN is to empower youths to lead by shining their light in character, in service, in innovation, in leadership, in faith, and in love.”
He noted that the widows selected included those of late clergymen who had laboured faithfully in the vineyard of Christ. Awoyale appreciated the continuous support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom he described as a consistent supporter of Christian youth development in Kwara State. “Every year, the Governor supports us with his goodwill and prayers, and for that we are very grateful. May the Lord continue to strengthen him,” he added.
The YOWICAN chairman also commended Senator Sadiq Umar representing Kwara North, the CAN Chairman Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, CAN Secretary Shina Ibiyemi, and Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company for their contributions toward the success of the programme.
Rev. Olawuyi James, Guest Speaker and Director of Youth and Student Ministries at the Nigerian Baptist Convention, delivered a message on the importance of living as examples of light. “The problem of darkness is not the darkness itself but the absence of light,” he said, reminding Christian youths that being the light of the world is a divine command from Jesus Christ. “You cannot claim to be a disciple of Christ if your light is not visible to those around you,” he added, urging them to rise and shine regardless of challenges.
Ven. Moses Esan, in his sermon titled “The Church as the Beacon of Light to the Nation,” called on the church to serve as a moral compass for society. “Stand out, be the light. Don’t be shaken, don’t shift, and always stand for the truth,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, Professor Feyi Adepoju advised the youths to stay disciplined and rooted in spiritual growth. “Purpose requires discipline, preparation, and humility. Without discipline, gifts can destroy a person faster than failure,” she said, encouraging them to remain aligned with God’s word.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the financial support. Fadipe Adeola said the cash gift would help her start a small business for sustenance. Another beneficiary, Chioma Ene, described the gesture as timely, saying, “I appreciate the Governor, the Senator, and YOWICAN for this kind intervention—it came at the right time.”
