Faithspiration Initiative Ends Youth Forum, Doles Out N7.5M To Anambra Youth

By polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha

 Faithspiration Initiative has successfully ended long anticipated youth forum season 2 during which Twenty five youth was empowered with (#7,500,000)

Faithspiration initiative is a brainchild of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike who is the press Secretary to the Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic  Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke as well as the Director of communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.

It is a non-profit organization and non-governmental Association committed to drawing young people closer to God while counting the rising antagonism towards their Christian faith.

Through its programs, the initiative inspires faith driven human development, leadership and youth entrepreneurs creating a vibrant platform for young people to grow in their spiritual and personal lives.

 Recalling that the maiden edition of the Youth Forum was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Odoakpu Onitsha set a high standard with the theme ” Blossoming Youth, flourishing Generation. It was an event which empowered seven various Youth from different  locations, thanks to magnanimity of the eminent personalities like Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Hon. Jude Ifeanyichukwu Umennajiego and Hon. Somto Udeze.

However, the 2024 youth forum season 2 was held at the Basilica Square of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha, Anambra State and sponsored by overseas based business mogul and renowned philanthropist, Mr. Lucky Chinedu Adimike through his Foundation.

Some of the personalities who contributed financially to the successful event include, Hon. Tony Nwora, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Mr. Dubem Obaze, Mr. John Nwosu  and Hon. Dozie Nwakwo.

The event was titled (Gen Zs: Limitless For Christ) and featured Praises, Worship, Comedy, Music, Motivational Speeches, Prayers, Words of God, Wealth Creation and Skill exposition.

Among the artists/ celebrities featured includes; Nollywood actor, Rachael Okonkwo a.k.a Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, Sir. Ono on One, Igwe White,  Deacon Famous, Albino Brothers, Gospel artist Mirabel Chisom amongst other 

Delivering spiritual teaching at the event, Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Igwe dwelt on the topic” How Precious Is Life ?” 

He began by asking, How can youth of today be limitless GEN Zs?, advising youth that life is so precious therefore, they should not waste their lives. They should be useful to their family and society. Always value their lives”

He further said, How can a youth become limitless to Christ?. Whatever one what’s to be in life, he would be.

The Clergy enumerated 3 points that could enhance youth to be limitless; Yourself, Your family and Your friends.

” God can not do what you can do for  yourself. Make yourself a project. I must start doing something. I will not engage in smoking Mkpulu-Mili. Don’t be a foolish youth. When Jesus Christ was 12 years old, he was wise. Always emulate Jesus Christ” Fr. Johnbosco concluded.

Motivating the youth, the Presidential Candidate under the platform of Labour Party in the 2023 Nigerian general election,  Mr. Peter Obi noted that he aligned with Fr. Johnbosco, emphasizing that God can not do what you can do for yourself.

He used himself as an illustration by saying, ” I was born and brought up in Onitsha. My life in Onitsha made me what I am today. I never allowed my life to be wasted. You can achieve greatness when you are serious. Nobody was born great. It depends on how you are serious with yourself. I have attended all the best Universities across the world. I was a Governor of Anambra State at my youthful age as well as Director of  Banks. It was life I lived in Onitsha that leads me up till now”

” So, you must work hard to achieve what you want in life. Don’t think you can get things free. If you do magic to make  money, one day you end up in prison. Igbos are hard-working. Igbos are not lazy” Said Obi.

Also in his motivational speech, the  Onitsha North Local Government Mayor, Hon.Tony Nwaora revealed that he was born in Enugu, saying that he is a product of hope through struggling.

He equally explained that he has lived overseas for 24 years as a teacher, just as he expressed interest in the Faithspiration Youth Forum and urged youths to be industrious in whatever they do.

Other motivational speaker, Chief Polycarp Onwuka who drew inspiration from 1 Timothy chapter 12, disclosing that he was born in a pagan family, though he was always wearing chaplet and attending Block Rosary until one day somebody mocked him and told him that he attends Block Rosary but his parents were pagans.

He said ” I was attending a Block Rosary and enjoying a Hail Mary but I don’t know it. Until I began to ask God to show me how to worship Him. One day a woman asked me if I would like to be Baptized ?. And I told her yes. She helped me to be Baptized”

 He said he had been following Jesus Christ over 35 years  and He has been kind  and faithful to him, testifying that he is currently a part time lecturer and a PhD holder in view.

He admonished to the youth the importance of attending Church and being closer to Blessed Sacrament which he said would empower them to overcome the shackles of opposition.

” If you love the Blessed Sacrament, it would enhance your spiritual growth and  induce you to attend Church. God loves you and has a plan for you. As a youth, going to Blessed Sacrament, it would shape your spiritual life” Said Chief Onwuka.

Equally speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on youth empowerment, Hon. Nelson Omenugha enjoined youths to shun reckless life and become useful for themselves and their families.

He expressed gratitude to the founder of Faithspiration initiative, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike, recalling that  Fr. George began the  program immediately after he came back from his studies overseas; he was among the first people who embraced the Faithspiration initiative.

He advised youth to be praising God now they are still in their youthful age, promising to inform the Commissioner for youth what he witnessed.

Expressing their happiness, Faithspiration initiative  group from Bamida, republic of Cameroon represented by Ferdinand Kendu decorated Fr. George in a Carmeroonian  attire as appreciation for his efforts in inspiring so many people to love Jesus Christ. 

Highlight of the event was empowerment to 25 youth within Onitsha Archdiocese, Awka diocese, Nnewi diocese, Ekwuluobia diocese and Aguleri diocese.

Among the youth who received #300,000 each as empowerment includes;  Oby Mary Cynthia, Obika Obiora Stanley, Ulochukwu John Francis, Ubochi Augustine, Linus Nwaokike, Eze Margret Mary, Nwabueze Theresa, Ezekwe Vivian, Ugweze Cresent John David, Anthony Nwosu, Chinedu Obika, Eze Chidera, Angela Dove amongst other.

Mr. Peter Obi who witnessed the presentation of  cheque of #300,000  to each lucky youth said he would be remembering them in his prayers, praying that they would be successful in life as well as predicted that one day they would be celebrated.

In his appreciation speech, the founder of Faithspiration initiative, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Admike in a special way extolled the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke for granting him privilege to host the program.

He  specifically thanked and prayed for God blessings to the Sole sponsor of the event, Mr. Lucky Chinedu Adimike

 as well as other people who assisted financially to ensure that various youth were empowered.

He also poured accolades to Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Igweagu and numerous Priests, religious as well as  individuals and invited artists spiced the event, praying for a journey of mercy to everyone and God’s blessings.