In Awka, Anglican Church of Redemption Hosts Maiden Youth Banquet

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was a convivial gathering like no other, as youths of Anglican Church of Redemption Parish, Awka, Anambra State, trooped out en masse to witness the maiden Youth Banquet of the church.

Held over the weekend, the well-attended Banquet, which was organized under the umbrella of the church's Youth Board, held at the premises of the church, with many youths and other members of the church in attendance.

In her opening remarks, the Director of the Youth Board, Pharmacist Uzo Umeononihu described youths as very special people; hence the reason the church decided to organize the banquet, both to express her love for the youths and afford them the opportunity to learn the necessary things that will enable not to miss track in their life journey.

She further explained that, although the banquet is not the major reason for the creation and existence of the Youth Board, it is instrumental to the actualization of the vision of the Board.

She said, "It is part of it anyway. But the ultimate vision of the Youth Board is to help us get into that bright future God has predestined for each and every one of us, using various avenues. You would be doing yourself disservice if you don't associate with the programs of the Youth Board, because all are geared towards establishing that bright future God has predestined for you."

In a his lecture at the event, a veteran Nollywood actor, Hon. Bob-Manuel Udokwu warned the youths to desist from believing everything they see on social media, as majority of such things are fake and deceptive.

He gave various instances of how most celebrities and social media influencers deceive many youths who take them as role models, and reminded the youths that not every celebrity is a good role model. He opined that social media lifestyle is fake, while internet and social media have both negative and positive sides; even as he advised the youths not allow themselves or future be destroyed by the negative side of and over ambitiousness.

While urging them to be ambitious in positive things, Hon. Udokwu, who is also the Senior Special Assistant on Creative Media to Governor Willie Obiano, also cautioned them to be contented with what they have and stop 'killing' themselves because of what they see on social media, especially the ostentatious but pretentious lifestyle most people exhibit in the posts.

He said, "Young ones, don't look unto the internet; look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Anything you ask Him and work towards it, He will grant and perfect it."

Earlier in his homily, Ven. Chris Ogbodo of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, advised the youths not to take the grace of God in vain or to allow the difficulty in the society today to deter them from accomplishing their dreams.

Citing Philippians 4:12, Ven. Ogbodo, whose message was captioned “Grace for Service”  reminded the participants that God has graciously qualified and enabled them to do one thing or the other and to stand firm in a time like this; and therefore encouraged them not to lose hope, but to stand firm in the world of God and leverage on His grace to surmount their challenges and make it in life.

In their separate remarks, the Vicar, Anglican Church of Redemption Parish, Ven. Dr. Obiorah Alokwu; Elder John Ifejika; and Rev. Lucky Onebunne extolled the event itself, the organizers and the participants; even as they urged the youths to always identify with and participate in such wonderful events whenever the opportunity calls.

In an interview with newsmen, one of the participants at the event, Mr. Akachi Orji highlighted some of the things he learnt, appreciated the church and the Youth Board for such wonderful initiative, and pleaded that such impactful gathering be periodically organized for the youths.

Tagged “Feast Unusual”, the Banquet featured special musical performances, praises, drama, prayer, lecture, and an interactive session which afforded the youths the opportunity to ask questions on what bothers them in their certain areas of interest. The participants were also treated to sumptuous delicacies, specially prepared for the Banquet, and which all ushered-in euphoria and made the event a didactic, convivial and memorable one indeed.