- New CYON Ambassador Emerges
By Nna Anulumadu
There was palpable excitement in Onitsha last Sunday, April 12, 2026, as the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, CYON, Onitsha Archdiocese, held its 2026 Youth Day celebration. The event drew thousands of young Catholics from parishes across the Archdiocese, alongside priests, religious, and prominent dignitaries.
The youth programme witnessed the presentation of awards to a few individuals including Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezim, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Chief James Obele, and others.
The day began with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke. In his homily, Archbishop Okeke charged Christians to be agents of divine mercy. According to him, God’s mercy gives life.
“Where compassion meets suffering, mercy is born. Mercy is compassion in action. It gives life, liberates, and changes situations.”
Recalling the story of the prodigal son, the Prelate enjoined Christians to always ask for mercy, be merciful, and confide in and trust always in the mercy of God.
In an address shortly after the Mass, the organization appreciated the Archbishop for his continuous fatherly love, guidance, and unwavering support. They also praised the CYON Director General, Fr. Vincent Ezenwaka, and the Assistant, Fr. Jerome Obiekezie, for encouraging, inspiring, and supporting them. The organization solicited for thirty-five million naira (N35,000,000) in funds to enable them to equip young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and opportunities for self-reliance.
The Archdiocesan CYON Director General, Rev. Fr. Vincent Ezenwaka, in his welcome address, said the Youth Day was designed to reawaken the spiritual and social consciousness of young Catholics. He extolled the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, for his usual magnanimity to the youth, describing him as a loving Chief Shepherd who has the interest of the youth at heart. He also appreciated the CYON Assistant Director, Rev. Fr. Jerome Obiekezie, for his sacrifices in helping to pilot the affairs of the organization. He also poured encomiums on the award recipients for their usual support.
He added that the youth programme is not just a celebration but a call to action — for holiness, leadership, and service.
Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ibezim, who received a merit award, while fielding questions from the press, called on the youth to face the reality of the time and face the future, adding that they have a lot to offer to the economic and development of the country. Also, another recipient, Chief James Obele, in his remarks, expressed happiness over the honour. He urged youth to embrace a life of humility and faith and work hard to survive.
Lolo Elizabeth Ogueze (Dynamic Woman), who was honoured as the Mother of CYON, expressed her willingness to assist the organization, urging them to depend solely on God and place God first in all their dealings.
Speaking to journalists, the Archdiocesan CYON incumbent President, Bro. Chikwendu Basil Kingsley Chukwuebuka, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop and all supporters. He noted that the 2026 Youth Day recorded the highest attendance in recent years, adding that CYON would intensify its evangelism and skills acquisition programmes across parishes.
Many participants who spoke to Trinitas Newspaper correspondent described the day as “spiritually fulfilling” and “unforgettable.”
The high point of the event was the emergence of the new Onitsha Archdiocesan CYON Ambassador, Chibuzor Chidera Prisca, from St. Mary’s Parish, Inland Town, Onitsha, while Onitsha Region took first position in the choral rendition.
