YOWICAN Mpape Chapter Inaugurates New Executive Council, Charges Leaders to Promote Christian Unity

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By Padre-Pio Benjamin Akor  

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Mpape Chapter, officially inaugurated its newly elected Executive Council on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during the 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Area 1, Mpape, Abuja.

The colourful inauguration ceremony brought together Christian leaders, clergy, youth representatives, and members of various church denominations within the Mpape Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), reaffirming the shared commitment to Christian unity and youth leadership.

Welcoming the congregation and the newly elected executives, the Vice Chairman of CAN Mpape Chapter, Catechist Linus Ekweme, who also serves as the Resident Catechist of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, expressed gratitude to God for the successful gathering. He appreciated the leadership of CAN Mpape Chapter for giving the church the privilege of hosting the inauguration ceremony. Catechist Ekweme explained that the event was originally scheduled to take place at ECWA Good News Church, Berger Quarry, but the venue was changed because the Chairman of CAN Mpape Chapter, Rev. Ezekiel E. J. Gbanzu, is currently on official leave. According to him, the CAN Chairman approved the relocation of the programme and mandated him to oversee the inauguration on behalf of the association. He congratulated the incoming executives and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with humility, integrity, and dedication to God's service.

Following his remarks, Catechist Linus Ekweme formally handed over the inauguration ceremony to the Chief Shepherd of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Job Swam Chechet, popularly known as the "Prophet of Peace."

Rev. Fr. Job warmly welcomed and congratulated the newly elected executives, describing their election as a call to service rather than a position of privilege. He reminded the youth leaders that the responsibility before them is enormous, emphasizing that their foremost assignment is to strengthen unity among Christians across denominations within Mpape.

"The journey ahead will not be easy," he noted. "However, if you continually seek God's direction and depend on Him, He will grant you the wisdom and strength required to fulfil this noble responsibility."

The Parish Priest further requested the chief celebrant of the Mass to invoke God's blessings upon the newly inaugurated executives.

The Chief Celebrant of the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. George I., delivered a message of encouragement to the youth, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to God and to uphold the core values upon which YOWICAN was established. He stressed that the primary purpose of the Youth Wing of CAN is to foster unity among young Christians regardless of denominational differences. Rev. Fr. George reminded the congregation that although Christianity traces its historical roots to the early Church, the Romans Catholic church, believers today worship the same Almighty God and are united through Jesus Christ.

He encouraged the executives to become ambassadors of peace, love, tolerance, and cooperation within the Christian community, adding that YOWICAN should continue to serve as a platform that strengthens fellowship among all Christian denominations.

The following officers were officially inaugurated to pilot the affairs of YOWICAN Mpape Chapter:

Position.                                                       Name                                       Block                             

Coordinator                                     Padre-Pio Benjamin Akor               CSN             

Secretary.                                         Christopher Jeremiah.                   ECWA/TEKAN.          

Assistant Secretary                         Kehinde George.                              OAIC.                    

Treasurer.                                        Ebenezer Oloyede Odesola             CCN                   

Legal Adviser                                  Alarape Emmanuel Olamide          OAIC                       

Dir, National Issues & SW.            Ishaya Yeipyeng Ranza.                  ECWA/TEKAN.

Director of Research.                    Adama Daniel Ojonugwa.                CSN 

Interfaith Relations Officer.        Pst. Reuben David Aiyedipe.         CPFN/PFN 

Ex-Officio.                                       Peter Obi Ogbanuko.                        CSN 

Ex-Officio.                                       Pst. Princewill Obegbu                    CPFN/PFN 

The inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter for YOWICAN Mpape Chapter as the new leadership assumes responsibility for promoting Christian unity, youth development, evangelism, leadership training, community service, and peaceful coexistence among churches within the Mpape community. Members expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated Executive Council would strengthen collaboration among Christian youths and contribute positively to the growth of the Church and society.








Quote of the Day

"Christian unity is not built by uniformity of denomination but by our shared faith, love, and service to Jesus Christ."


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