Michael OKEOLA

 

A youth of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Mr. Augustine Ajetoro Ajesina of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Tede, has been inaugurated as the Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in Oyo State.

 

The inauguration took place during the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) meeting held on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, at Union Baptist Church, Ibadan.

 

Representing the Catholic Bishop of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, at the event was the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, who attended alongside the Cathedral Catechist and two members of the Cathedral. Also present were Very Rev. Fr. Samson Babatunde Ojo, the Dean of Ogbomoso Deanery and one of the diocesan delegates to CAN, as well as Rev. Fr. Francis Ogunsola and Rev. Fr. Alexander Onifade.

 

Speaking after his inauguration, Mr. Augustine Ajetoro Ajesina expressed gratitude to God and to the Bishop of Oyo for the confidence reposed in him. He explained that his emergence as Chairman came through divine providence after the expected candidate from his bloc declined the position, leading to his name being presented to the Bishop for approval.

 

Ajetoro noted that he has been actively involved in youth leadership in the Church for many years. His leadership journey began in 2005 when he served as Vice President of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ilora, a role he held until 2008. He later served as the CYON President at St. Michael Catholic Parish, Okeho, from 2009 to 2012.

He currently serves as the Public Relations Officer of the League of St. Ignatius (LSI) in the Diocese, the Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council in his parish, and the Acting Secretary of the Oke Maria Committee in the Diocese.

 

Explaining his role as YOWICAN Chairman, Ajetoro said his responsibility is to provide leadership and coordination for Christian youths within CAN, promote unity among young people from different Christian denominations, represent youth interests in CAN activities, and oversee programmes that encourage spiritual growth, leadership development, and active participation of Christian youths in both the Church and society.

 

He identified major challenges facing Christian youths today to include spiritual distractions, moral pressures, economic hardship, and resistance to guidance. According to him, addressing these issues requires strong discipleship, mentorship, active youth ministries, and consistent spiritual growth.

 

Ajetoro further noted that the youth wing of CAN plays an important role in strengthening the faith of young Christians through conferences, evangelism, leadership summits, and initiatives that promote moral living and responsible citizenship.

 

As a Catholic serving within an interdenominational body, he emphasized the importance of promoting unity among Christian youths by focusing on their shared faith in Christ, encouraging interdenominational fellowship, leading by example, and creating platforms for dialogue.

 

He also encouraged Christian youths to see themselves as future leaders and nation-builders, urging them to use their faith, talents, and character to promote peace, justice, and development in society.

 

Advising young people who aspire to leadership positions, he stressed the importance of spiritual growth, humility, continuous learning, service, and positive influence, noting that these qualities are essential for effective leadership both in the Church and in society.

 

The meeting concluded with prayers and interactions among Christian leaders and youth representatives present at the gathering.