Governor AbdulRazaq, Gbenga Hashim Get Awards at Kwara YOWICAN Convention
…As Christian Youths Get Multimillion Naira Empowerment
By Damilola Adedokun
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Presidential Candidate of Accord Party, Dr Gbenga Hashim Olawepo and high profile personalities were honoured at the 2026 Annual Convention of the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) for their contributions to the society, nation building and the association.
Kwara YOWICAN led by Evangelist Stephen Awoyale presented to the awardees during the Convention held at First ECWA Church, Ilorin on Saturday.
At the event, Christian leaders implored youths to embrace spiritual growth, integrity, purposeful leadership and fruitful service as key principles for exercising godly dominion.
The call was made at the ANAGKAZO 5.0 Annual Convention, themed DOMINION where speakers emphasised the need for Christians to translate their faith into meaningful and impactful contributions to society.
In his opening speech at the convention, Evangelist Stephen Adeola Awoyale (JP) urged young Christians to recognise their responsibility to influence society positively while remaining firmly committed to their faith and Christian values.
Awoyale said the theme drawn from Genesis 1:28, highlights God’s original mandate for humanity to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue it and exercise dominion.
He however stressed that dominion should not be interpreted merely as the pursuit of power, position or influence, but as a divine responsibility to serve humanity.
Speaking on the importance of integrity and righteousness, Awoyale challenged young people to remain trustworthy and steadfast in their convictions, even when faced with pressure to compromise their values.
In his address, Rev. S. T. G. Adewole, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, called on Christians to embrace spiritual growth, fruitful service and multiplication as essential principles of Christian living.
The CAN chairman urged Christians to move beyond spiritual complacency and embrace purposeful living, insisting that divine authority must be exercised with humility, righteousness and accountability.
Also ministering at the event, the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Modupe Joel, in a ministration titled “Raising Godly Influencers: Living with Purpose and Dominion,” emphasised that dominion means the capacity to make meaningful contributions, exercise responsibility and positively influence others.
Joel explained that an influencer is someone capable of shaping people’s opinions, attitudes and decisions. She noted that a godly influencer should reflect God’s character and values through words, actions and lifestyle while inspiring others to do what is right.
She said meaningful leadership involves creativity, problem-solving and making positive contributions wherever one finds oneself.
Other Awardees include Kwara CAN Chairman, Rt. Rev. STG Adewole, Apostle Shina Ibiyemi (CAN Secretary) Rev. Fr. Ralph Ajewole ( Director, Education, Youth, Women & Development) and Evangelist Stephen Awoyale (YOWICAN Chairman) received leadership awards. While the Accord Party Presidential Candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim
Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Pastor Joseph Omorinoye Senior Special Apostle Oluwole Awotuyi ( Founder Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries) and Engr. Emmanuel Abidoye (MD/CEO, Femtech IT International) were presented with Achievers award.
Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Chief Olayinka Fafoluyi, Senator Sodiq Umar, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Hon. Senior Ibrahim Sulyman ( Attorney General of Kwara State), Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye, Mr. Akanbi Tosin (Candela Stage Lights), Barr. Sambo Muritala, Mrs. Ayeni Justina (Optimal Events Services), Mr. Ben Uwabor (Khaki-b Communications), Mr. Oyeyemi Aransiola, Mr. Oluwaseun Adewoye, UMCATS, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Ilorin and
First ECWA Church, Ilorin were recognised for always supporting the association.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of employment opportunities, empowerment materials and cash support to beneficiaries.The items presented include electrical materials, hair salon materials, barbering equipment, and ₦50,000 cash support.