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By Sola Rotimi
Christian youths have been urged to translate their faith into active leadership across governance, business, technology, media, and ministry with strict ethical standards and character.
The charge was delivered in Ilorin during the annual convention of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN Kwara State Chapter, ANAGKAZO 5.0 with the theme “Dominion.”
Delivering the opening speech, YOWICAN Kwara State Chairman, Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, defined dominion as an exercise in leadership and service, emphasising that character and moral uprightness remain the ultimate assets for young believers.
”Our greatest asset as Christian youths is not our education, connections, money, popularity or position. Our greatest asset is character. We do not want young people who can only pray; we want young people who can pray and also work.” Evangelist Awoyale said.
He challenged delegates from across the state to step beyond personal ambition and occupy key roles in critical national sectors, including agriculture, media, politics, governance, and science, without compromising their ethical values.
Reinforcing the charge, Kwara State CAN Secretary, Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, stressed the responsibility resting on the younger generation to shape the future of both the Church and the nation.
”Your generation must not only inherit the Church; you must also take responsibility for its future and for the transformation of our society,” Apostle Ibiyemi stated, calling on the younger generation to dedicate their talents, education, and energy to public service and truth.
In his address on “Walking in Dominion,” Director of Youth Development for Kwara CAN, Reverend Father Ralph Ajewole, urged delegates to transition from religious theory into practical professional engagement.
”For too long, the concept of dominion has been treated as a theological abstraction. Anagkazo 5.0 is the spiritual catalyst that compels you out of your comfort zones and into the boardrooms, pulpits and leadership corridors where your voice is desperately needed.” Reverend Father Ajewole emphasised.
In his goodwill message to the convention, the CAN Chairman of Kwara State, Right Reverend Sunday Adewole, anchored the convention’s theme on Genesis 1:28, describing dominion as a divine blueprint for functional governance rather than passive survival.
”To walk in dominion is to step into the fullness of the authority Christ has purchased for us. It means moving beyond spiritual potential into practical manifestation; taking territory in prayer, expanding the Kingdom through radical soul-winning, mastering our callings and establishing God’s righteousness across every sphere of society.”
Rev. Adewole further outlined four pillars of Kingdom authority, which includes divine blessing, reproductive multiplication, active subjugation of spiritual opposition, and righteous stewardship across ministry, career, and family life.
Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas noted that while guiding young people on spiritual and ethical values is important, it must be paired with tangible opportunities that enable them to thrive economically.
According to the Commissioner, genuine youth empowerment requires giving young people the platforms and practical abilities to build enterprises rather than limiting interventions to traditional job-seeking mindsets.
She stated that initiatives such as the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme are being rolled out across tertiary institutions in the state to expose students to agribusiness opportunities.
The Commissioner added that through these targeted programmes, students are encouraged to register and build their businesses while still in school, ensuring they graduate as independent business owners and employers of labor rather than job seekers.
From left: Evang Awoyale, Mrs Thomas, Prince Fagbemi & YOWICAN official
While speaking with newsmen at the event, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, urged Christian faithful to actively participate in political processes and public governance, framing political engagement as a direct biblical duty rather than a worldly endeavour.
“Christian brothers, politics is not a dirty game. That is where decisions are taken, policies are made, and implementations are done. If you are not there, nobody will blow your trumpet for you. We enjoin all our Christian brothers to participate well in politics and go out in numbers during elections so that we can input into what is going on. The world will be better for it.”
The convention programme featured word ministrations by Mrs Modupe Joel, Pastor Bola Paimo, choir presentations, an empowerment session for delegates, and an awards presentation to honour prominent state leaders and supporters.
