Taraba Gov Declares Open YOWICAN Northeast Convention in Jalingo
By Hilary John
The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has declared open the maiden convention of the Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Northeast Zone.
The event, which runs from Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15, 2025, is taking place at the Deeper Life Camp Ground, Dinyavoh, Jalingo.
Represented by the Deputy Majority Leader of the Taraba State House of Assembly and Member representing Lau Constituency, Hon. Nuhu Akila, the Governor described the convention’s theme, “Arise and Build”, as a timely call for spiritual, moral, and social reconstruction among Nigerian youths.
The Governor challenged youths to rise beyond verbal commitment and actively rebuild areas of their lives, churches, and communities where values have weakened.
“You must improve spiritually and socially so that when you return home, you will rebuild the broken walls of your community,” he said. He commended Governor Kefas for improving security and creating an enabling environment for youth gatherings.
Earlier in his welcome address, YOWICAN Northeast Chairman, Evangelist Jesse Ephesian JP, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Kefas for his “steady, youth-focused leadership.”
He noted that the governor’s inclusion of young people as Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Special Assistants demonstrates his commitment to empowering the next generation.
Ephesian also highlighted the convention’s internal theme, “Build and Empower,” drawn from Nehemiah 2:17, urging youths to become transformative forces within their churches and communities.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, said the convention was divinely inspired and aligns with the state government’s mission to promote moral renewal, peace, and youth empowerment.
He reaffirmed the Taraba State Government’s partnership with CAN and other faith-based organizations, describing youths as “the hope of the Church and the strength of the nation.”
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, welcomed participants and commended the organizers for hosting the first-ever Northeast Zone YOWICAN convention in Taraba.
He urged youths to take inspiration from the biblical Nehemiah by praying for Nigeria and actively participating in the sessions designed to build character, unity, and faith.
In a thought-provoking keynote address, Luntsi Justice drew from Nehemiah 1:4–6 to challenge youths to allow God to build them before seeking to lead others.
“It is one thing to identify a problem and another to solve it,” he noted, cautioning youths against being used as political tools.
He urged leaders to mentor the younger generation in righteousness, not corruption, and emphasized that Nigeria’s rebuilding must begin with rebuilding people’s character and values.
Highlights of the opening ceremony included the unveiling of the official YOWICAN Northeast Convention T-shirt by the governor’s representative, Hon. Akila
