By Nna Anulumadu
Members of Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON ) Onitsha Archdiocesan chapter last Sunday, April 7, staged a spectacular cultural fiesta to celebrate 2024 youth day.
The event witnessed contest for new Ezenwata, Lolo and Onowu
The Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke who presided over the Mass that kick started the event, enjoined the faithful to be missionaries of divine mercy.
According to him, no Christian can claim to love God without showing mercy to the next person since God is mercy Himself.
” When we show mercy, God in his infinite goodness will have mercy on us as well. Divine Mercy can restore us and revive us to life. In essence, we require divine mercy in all our human endeavours.”
In a welcome address presented shortly after the Mass, the organization poured accolades on the Archbishop for his usual magnanimity and support to Onitsha Archdiocesan CYON, disclosing that has been empowering the youth in many ways. The Organization also eulogized their Chaplain Rev Fr Vincent Ezenwaka and assistant Chaplain Fr Jerome Obiekezie for their sacrifices and serious commitment in coasting CYON to the promised land. The organization further disclosed their plans to establish fishery and poultry farms where many youth can be gainfully employed. On this note, they appealed for sponsorship, calling on the men of goodwill to support the projects.
Speaking at the event, the Chaplain Fr Vincent Ezenwaka poured accolades on the Archbishop for his large heart to the organization, describing him as lovely Prelate who care a lot for the youth. He disclosed that the Archbishop out his usual magnanimity sponsored 15 youth on pilgrimage to Fatima, a show of love that can never be forgotten in a hurry. On behalf of the organization, he donated 500 platic seats to the Archdiocese.
The Onitsha Archdiocesan CYON president Osorachukwu Okonkwo who spoke to Trinitas Newspaper said he was elated over the cultural fiesta, stating that CYON is using the event to showcase, revive and sustain Igbo culture facing extinction.
Also a special guest Ndukaife Emma Ejike ( Ejison Global Property) charged fellow youth to reject fetish practices as that will not take them to anywhere. “Don’t commit evil or worship devil order to make money, rather work hard and pray God to bless you.
Fr Fidelis Onwudufor who delivered lecture at the event enjoined youth to distance themselves from unwholesome practices including blood engagement, engaging in insex, worshipping of the sun, embracing pagan practices etc that are capable of ruining their futures.
Dr Nelson Omenugha ( Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on youth) who chaired the event in his speech encouraged the youth to be focused and never stay idle, revealing that Anambra state government has empowered youth with skills and funds. He stated that the second phase of the empowerment will come up before the end of the year , pledging to bring in CYON members to be part of the beneficiaries.
High point of the event was Ezenwata contest that produced Akanwetaluife from St Charles Borromeo Parish Onitsha as the new Ezenwata of Onitsha Archdiocesan CYON. The event ended with a raffle tickets draw.
