By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
The Deputy Comptroller of Awka Correctional Center, Reverend Solomon C.Uba literally wept over attitudes of youths in this era, and urged parents to ensure youths are directed aright from homes to avoid future regrets.
Revered Uba spoke as a priest Assistant during a sermon to mark his retirement from service after 35years in Federal Service and 2024 Anglican Youth Fellowship Sunday of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Awka at the Church of The Holy Spirit Awka.
Uba, though retiring from Civil Service, will relocate to his home Diocese from Church of The Holy Spirit Awka to continue his pastoral work in God’s Vineyard.
He urged youths to stop misusing their talents and urged them to place their priorities right to avoid regrets. He encouraged Christians, particularly youths to stop bragging in their sin and immorality, noting that grace differs in life.
He further pointed out that God’s purpose when he created men was to have fellowship with him ,hence, it’s needless to be comfortable in their sins but to seek repentance from God to enable Him clothe them with His righteousness.
Reverend Uba insisted God is ever willing to forgive, no matter the sin , even as he warned youths to ensure nothing takes them away from God’s presence , adding that Christians should stop taking their faith in their hands, but rather trust God and open up to Him.
He reminded Anglican Youth Fellowship, AYF members to focus on their motto:Â Towards a Perfect Man by focusing on the perfect man, Jesus Christ.
Later, the Vicar, Church of The Holy Spirit Awka and Archdeacon of CHS Archdeaconry, Ven Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu presented the message from Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD to the Anglican Youth Fellowship, AYF Sunday 2024.
Archbishop Ibezim in the message warned young people to stop being lazy ,describing the theme of the AYF Sunday, “I will Arise and Go Back To My Father” as apt, since realizing one’s sins and seeking for forgiveness from God Almighty is the best for any Christian, particularly a youth, since choice making is important when guided by the spirit of God.
Archbishop Ibezim appreciated God for intervening in the circumstances of our youths. He urged God of unity to unite Nigeria.
He encouraged youths to flee from all youthful complacency, exuberance, vices and iniquities by seeking God first, always.
Meanwhile, President, Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Awka Diocesan Youth Council, Bro Okoye, Chinaza K in a message to Christian brothers and Sisters in Christ, as well as fathers in God urged youths to get focused in all they do.
The statement read in part: “I must specially thank God Almighty for His Grace and favour upon us and we are not taking His mercies for granted. We therefore return all glory, honour, adoration and thanksgiving to Him.
“We shall again appreciate God for the opportunity to observe this year’s Youth Sunday, despite the economic downturn that has posed as a major challenge on every sector of our Nation.
“It is my earnest prayer that God will see us through and we will come out strong in Jesus Name; the Church of God shall match forward and the gates of hell shall never prevail.
“Let me specially and with joy appreciate the chief shepherd of our Diocese and Province, our spiritual leader, a lover of the youth and our Diocesan Grand Patron, His Grace, Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim PhD JP, Archbishop Province of the Niger and the lord Bishop of Awka, and his supportive Wife, Dr. Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim (Nneoma, Mama Awka, Mama Province)
“We are sincerely grateful to our hardworking Chaplains, Revd Canon Nnamdi Chukwudi Ajaoku and Rev’d Chinedum Chinweze Nwakalor for their efforts towards the success of the 2024 Youth Sunday.
“In no small measure, to appreciate the Diocesan Officer’s Council, our hardworking Archdeaconry Youth Leaders, Diocesan Appointees and respected Stakeholders and elders of the Council.
“To our Parish Youth leaders, please, we cannot take your labours of love for granted. We are taking note of your steadfastness and believe me, God will surely pay in million folds. Continue reaching out at the grassroot.
“Please, as we mark the 2024 Youth Sunday, mind you that we are just labourers here on earth, handed over the fellowship to transform and for a better Awka Diocesan Youth Council.
“Your success is our success and ours is yours. Together we will jointly make our fellowship greater, bigger and better in preparation for the Master’s use.
The statement concluded: “Just like I wrote this morning, before my official address, this is our root, and our heritage. Together, we will make our fellowship better than we met it.
“On behalf of our Chaplains and the Diocesan Officer’s Council, I wish us a happy Youth Sunday, praying that God will perfect His plans in our various Churches”.
