‘Arise and Lead’: YOWICAN Kwara Empowers Youths for Political Participation
The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara State Chapter, on Saturday, April 19, 2025, organized a one-day Political Education Summit aimed at sensitizing Christian youths on active political participation. The summit, themed “Arise and Lead: Answering the Call to Serve”, was held at the Bishop’s Court in Ilorin, bringing together young participants from all 16 local government areas of the state.
Leading the array of distinguished speakers was Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential candidate and prominent Christian leader from Nigeria’s North Central region. In his keynote address, Dr. Hashim emphasized that politics should be viewed as a platform for service rather than a get-rich-quick scheme.
“To become a good leader, your integrity matters most,” he said. “Protect your integrity and be righteous. Don’t compromise, and always maintain a good name that will last for eternity. Political leadership provides an opportunity to serve and positively impact lives.”
Dr. Hashim urged the youth to draw inspiration from exemplary national figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Solomon Lar, and also referenced the biblical Daniel as a model of competent and upright leadership.
Also speaking at the summit, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yissa Ezekiel Benjamin, encouraged Christian youths to engage actively in politics from the grassroots level. He emphasized the importance of moral values and integrity, noting that leadership is an avenue to care for the less privileged and promote peace and justice.
“You are called to be the light and the salt of the nation. Influence your environment positively by being truthful and honest. Protect the image of Christ and of Nigeria,” Benjamin said.
In her address, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, advocated for greater female participation in politics, urging women to uphold family values and not yield to societal pressures. “Politics is a call to serve with integrity, not a bed of roses,” she said. “With trust in God, challenges can be overcome.”
Other notable speakers included Ambassador Tola Onijala, Sir Ben Duntoye, Rev. Cornelius Fawenu, and the Kwara CAN Secretary, all of whom echoed the importance of youth engagement in politics beyond forming support groups.
The YOWICAN Chairman in Kwara State, Evangelist Stephen Adeola-Awoyale, described the summit as a strategic effort to awaken Christian youths to their responsibility in shaping the nation’s political future. He expressed gratitude to the guest speakers, the Kwara CAN leadership led by Bishop S.T.G. Adewole, and all stakeholders who supported the success of the event.
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