Patrons and patronesses of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger Council of Youth Fellowship (AFY) Nigeria were on Sunday inducted by the Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Diocese of Nnewi, Most Reverend Prof Godwin I. N. Okpala.

In his sermon at the event, the Archbishop warned youths on the dangers of serving God carnally by going to Church without spirituality.

He urged them to be champions of evangelism in order to win souls for Jesus Christ, reminding the youths that they cannot achieve anything in life without Jesus Christ.

Earlier in his address, the Niger Provincial Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF), Lay Reader Akam Moses Emenike Nnanyelugo, called on members to be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ in AYF by being exemplary in character and followership.

He thanked Archbishop Okpala, his wife Mrs. Eugenia Okpala, and the Provincial AYF Chaplain, Revd Chukwuka Osy Nwofia, the AYF chaplain of the 9 dioceses in the Province of the Niger, including Rev Nnamdi Ajaoku of Awka diocese and Revd Canon Okey Okeke of Nnewi diocese, for their efforts at ensuring that AYF succeeds in its set out objectives.

On his part, the immediate past National President of AYF, who is currently a priest in the diocese of Akoka Ado, Rev Chukwuebuka Eze, and former Anambra state chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Frank Maduka, decried the degeneration of the youths following the emergence of the social media.

He harped on the need for youths to embrace education and craft for a better future even as he enjoined the AYF members to be exemplary in fellowship.

Maduka used the occasion to enlighten the youths on an oncoming Boot Camp in Awka for learning of 21st Century crafts to empower youths economically.

Provincial AYF Secretary, Bro Chinaza Okoye, and Chairman Planning Committee, Bro Timothy S. Obi, described the dedication and induction as God's design adding that the provincial leadership of the AYF shall mobilise youths for Jesus Christ.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Nnewi Diocesan AYF President, Evang Chukwuemeka S. Ajiero, commended the good job did by the outgoing Provincial AYF President, Evang John Agom, with his team and reminded the new Provincial AYF executive led by Mazi Moses Akam to be diligent and faithful in service.

Patrons of the AYF include member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Engr Chinedu S. Onwuasor, former Governor of Amambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Deputy Governor of Anambra State; Dr Nkem Okeke, Humphrey Ngonadi; Sir Isaac Ezeofor; and Sir Emma Ezenwaji.

Others were Chief Sunday Eze (KSC); Chief R.C Uzoigwe; Sir Isaiah Ezeezika; Hon Somtochukwu Udeze (KSC) and Sir ThankGod Uzochukwu (KSC).

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