By Atlantic Reports

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in Kwara State has distributed vocational equipment to 45 young people to support income-generating work and self-reliance.

The beneficiaries received hairdressing, barbering and electrical equipment during the association’s fifth convention, held on Saturday in Ilorin under the theme “Dominion”.

They were drawn from the blocs that make up the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the state’s 16 local government areas.

YOWICAN Chairman Stephen Awoyale said the beneficiaries would also receive cash support to help them pursue entrepreneurship. He did not specify the amounts or when the payments would be made.

Awoyale urged young people to build livelihoods while maintaining integrity, saying they should resist pressure to compromise their convictions for money or popularity.

He encouraged them to pursue opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, media and politics.

“Our greatest asset as Christian youths is not our education, connections, money, popularity or position. Our greatest asset is character,” he said.

Awoyale described the association’s goal as creating opportunities and developing young people who would serve their communities through excellence and integrity.

He thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other sponsors for supporting the programme.

In a goodwill message delivered by CAN Secretary Shina Ibiyemi, the association’s state chairman, Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, linked the convention’s theme to putting Christian faith into practice through service and responsible engagement in society.

Pastor Bola Paimo, who delivered the sermon, described dominion as exercising authority and power responsibly. Drawing on Genesis 1:26 and Psalm 8:4–9, he urged participants to understand and fulfil what he described as their divine purpose.

Youth and teenage minister Mrs Modupe Joel said positive influence depended on character, words and actions, rather than wealth, position or public recognition.

She encouraged young people to use their abilities responsibly and remain committed to their faith’s principles.

The equipment distribution provided practical support for vocational livelihoods. The promised cash assistance would add to that support, although details of beneficiary selection, business mentoring and follow-up were not provided.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.