It was celebration galore last Saturday as the House of Prayer International Covenant Church (HPICC), Owerri branch, celebrated their 2023 Covenant Youth Fiesta. The epoch making event, which had “Being Youthful and Resourceful” as its theme, was graced by eminent dignitaries from within and outside the state. In his message tagged “You and Your Transparent”, the General Overseer of the church, Rev. Barr. John C. Oguaju, urged the youths to embrace authenticity, respect diverse expressions and balance emotions by biblical principles for healthier relationships. He noted that temperament is so powerful that it can positively or negatively affect one’s ministry, marriage mandate and entire life and cautioned against focusing on appearance rather than substance so as to avoid winding up with shallow spirits.
The General Overseer, who defined temperament as a person’s nature in behavior or reaction, equally highlighted the four major types of temperament which include melancholic, choleric, sanguine and phlegmatic. Pivoting his sermon on the topic “Finding the Right Life Partner”, the guest preacher, Priest Sorom Oguaju, who noted that marriage is the best gift of God to man at creation, posited that there is no particular formular for a successful marriage. He, however, advised youths to be spiritually, mentally, physically and financially fit before going into marriage so as to have a successful marriage.
Delivering a lecture on the theme, “Being Youthful and Resourceful,” Dr. Okeke Nnamdi O.M, charged the youths to learn or master a skill as well as have a positive mindset and be proactive in order to unlock their resources. While reeling out the types of resources, which include spiritual, natural, human and physical/material resources, the lecturer advised them to be passionate, manage their time very well and depend on divine intervention to harness their resources. Dr. Okeke, who is Secretary of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Imo State, emphasized the need for youths to develop their abilities so as to be become responsible and resourceful in their communities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the CYF leader, Midship Innocent Chidiebere, appreciated all who generously helped in making the fiesta a success. He stated that the essence of the theme of the fiesta is to inculcate into the youths, quick and clearer ways to overcome challenges and function effectively wherever they find themselves, adding that the youths will remodify the church parsonage. The occasion also featured guest artist performance by Oberenwa Jesus, Bible game, Youth project game, Symposium on marriage and relationship among other things. Dignitaries that graced the occasion include Priest (Dr) Samuel Oguaju, Pastor Philip O. Dike – Minister in charge of Owerri Branch, Cohen Daniel Ajuruchukwu – General Overseer, Will of God Sabbath Mission, High Priest Nomso Onyeagha – General Overseer of Remnant International, Pastor ifeanyi J. Ibuo, Elder Anayo Ezedinaukwe, Bro. Amadoo Peter and Bro. Benson Micha.
