L-R: Assist General Secretary, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria Archdiocese Lagos (CYON), Esther Shibigem; President, (CYON) Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe; Archdiocesan (CYON) Chaplains, Rev Fr.Otukpe Paulmary; Archbishop of the Metropolitan see of Lagos, Most. Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins; Vice President, ( CYON) Vivian Ibuodinma; Dean Maryland Deanery, Very Rev Fr. Simeon Iwu and others.
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan see of Lagos, Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has tasked Catholic youths of Nigeria to be resilient, committed to personal and national developments, as well as depend on God to shape their future in spite of the economic challenges facing the country.
Dr Martins gave the task in his keynote address at the 40th Archdiocesan Youth Day of Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria Archdiocese of Lagos held at Maryland Deanery.
Speaking on the year’s theme: “Take Courage! I have overcome the world”, he said the advice was necessary as they are “living in a rapidly changing world marked by uncertainty, economic hardship, social pressures, moral confusion, and the growing influence of digital culture”.
According to him, “many young people today struggle with questions about their future, their identity, their purpose, and their place in society. At times, the challenges may seem overwhelming, but if they can abide by that word, the youths will go far. Do not allow yourselves to be defined by the limitations of the world around you”.
The President, CYON Lagos Archdiocese, Chukwuemeka Anyiam, in his address said, “This is a bittersweet moment for me as it marks the fourth and final AYD I will oversee in my official capacity as President. As I prepare to hand over this responsibility, I pray that this celebration will be our most memorable yet and that it will inspire a new generation of courageous Catholic youth.
“In the scripture, 40 represents a season of maturity, transformation, and readiness for a new journey. Over the last four decades, the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese has nurtured generations of faith-filled leaders, professionals, and saints.
“Four decades ago, a vision was planted across our Archdiocese to gather, nourish, and empower young Catholics. Today, as we stand on the historic grounds of Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, co-hosted by the dynamic Maryland Deanery, we celebrate forty years of faith, resilience, and fellowship”.
Archdiocesan CYON Chaplain, Rev Fr. Otukpe Paulmary said, “Our theme this year speaks directly to the reality many young people experience today. You live in a world filled with uncertainty, competing voices, economic pressures, social expectations, and constant distractions. But with courage the youths will overcome every challenge.
Rev. Fr. Paulmary also said, “It is necessary to call your attention to your civic responsibility to our nation, namely the 2027 elections. I encourage you to get your PVC, participate actively and not passively by casting your note according to your conscience”.
Lending his voice, Dean, Maryland Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Iwu advised the youths that the choice they make today will determine the future they build tomorrow and they use their time and youthful energy wisely.
