YOWICAN empowers 100 widows with ₦50,000 each, supports 100 youths
The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara State Chapter, at the weekend empowered 100 widows with ₦50,000 each as well as 100 youths with ₦10,000 each.
Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, chairman of YOWICAN in Kwara, disclosed this at the weekend during the association’s Annual Youth Convention held in Ilorin.
Awoyale, who announced the theme of the event as “The Light of the World,” said the empowerment programme has been a regular initiative of YOWICAN 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.
“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 said.
He explained that this year’s beneficiaries included widows of late clergymen who had laboured faithfully in the vineyard of Christ.
Awoyale also expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters of the initiative, particularly Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his continuous encouragement and assistance to Christian youths in the 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.
He further appreciated Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara North; the CAN Chairman, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, the CAN Secretary, Shina Ibiyemi, and Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company, among others, for their contributions to the success of the programme.
In his message, Rev. Olawuyi James, ghe Guest Speaker, Director of Youth and Student Ministries at the Nigerian Baptist Convention, noted that “the problem of darkness is not the darkness itself but the absence of light.”
He reminded the youths that shining as 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 stated, urging youths to rise and shine regardless of the challenges they face.
Also speaking, Ven. Moses Esan, in his sermon titled “The Church as the Beacon of Light to the Nation,” charged the church to serve as 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.
On her part, Feyi Adepoju, a professor, urged the youths not to compromise their values or neglect spiritual growth.
She said: “Purpose requires discipline, preparation, and humility. Without discipline, gifts can destroy a person faster than failure, encouraging youths to remain aligned with God’s word.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with journalists expressed gratitude for the financial support.
Fadipe Adeola thanked YOWICAN for remembering widows, noting that 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.”
