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By Sola Rotimi
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 during its 2025 Annual Youth Convention held in Ilorin.
Chairman of the association, Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, while talking to newsmen during the convention themed “The Light of the World”, explained that the gesture, carried out in phases, was a practical demonstration of support for the young ones and widows, especially wives of late pastors, as a token reward for their labour in ministry.
“Our empowerment is in phases. We are giving ₦50,000 each to 100 widows and ₦10,000 each to 100 youths across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State. Before the end of the year, we will also carry out another phase of empowerment. Our mandate at YOWICAN is to empower youths to lead by shining their light, in character, service, innovation, leadership, faith, and love,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to sponsors and supporters of the programme, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Senator Sadiq Umar representing Kwara North, the Kwara CAN Chairman, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, CAN Secretary, Barr. Shina Ibiyemi, and Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company.
“We thank our governor for his continuous support and prayers for Christian youths. Every year, he gives us his maximum encouragement. We are grateful and pray that the Lord will continue to uphold him,” Awoyale added.
In his message, Guest Speaker, Rev. James Olawuyi, who serves as Director of Youth and Student Ministries at the Nigerian Baptist Convention, told the congregation that darkness only thrives where light is absent, urging Christian youths to shine as commanded by Jesus Christ.
“You cannot claim to be Christ’s disciple if your light is not seen by those around you–no matter how thick the darkness, arise and shine.”
In a related message titled “The Church as the Beacon of Light to the Nation,” Ven. Moses Esan charged the church to remain a moral compass in society.
“Stand out, be the light, don’t be shaken, don’t shift, and always stand for the truth,” he admonished.
In a message titled “Walking in Purpose Without Losing Yourself”, a guest speaker, Prof. Feyi Adepoju, emphasized the need for the younger generation to discover God’s plans for their lives and live it out everyday. She also admonished them to embrace discipline and growth, resist distractions and set healthy boundaries, as well as serve others faithfully in line with biblical injunction.
“Purpose requires discipline, preparation, and humility. Without discipline, gifts can destroy a person faster than failure,” she emphasized.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, one of the widows, Mrs. Adeola Fadipe, said the gesture would enable her to start a small business for sustenance.
“Widows are often neglected by society. This support will go a long way in helping me,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Chioma Ene, described the empowerment as a timely intervention.
There were goodwill messages from, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole and Evangelist Shola Agboola.
