Diocesan Youth Fellowship Report to the Diocesan Synod

Submitted by: Bro. Micheal Elite Ezeh, Diocesan Youth President

Date: 25th April 2024

Introduction

The Diocesan Youth Fellowship (DYF) is pleased to submit this report to the Diocesan
Synod, highlighting our activities and achievements throughout the past year. We are
committed to fostering young people's spiritual growth, leadership development, and
fellowship within the Diocese.

This report, which I have tagged “The Story So Far”, isn’t just a collection of facts and
figures; it’s a story brimming with chapters of growth, challenges overcome, and victories
celebrated. It's a story with chapters filled with laughter, learning, and the unwavering spirit
of our young people; exploring how the DYF has nurtured faith, empowered leadership, and
fostered a vibrant fellowship.

On December 10th, 2023, the Diocesan Youth Fellowship held elections, ushering in a new
leadership team. We extend our sincere gratitude to the previous administration led by Bro.
Okezie Cassidy Chukwuemeka for their tireless dedication and the foundation they laid.
Now, under the guidance of the new leadership, we are poised to embark on a vibrant and
impactful chapter in the story of the Diocesan Youth Fellowship.

LEADERSHIP:

The Revd. Ikedichi Ufomadu is the Coordinator and the newly elected Officers are:

1. Bro. Micheal Elite Ezeh – President

2. Sis. Kelechi Nwosu – Vice President
3. Bro. Franklin Kelechi Nga – Secretary
4. Sis. Blessing Madubuike – Assistant Secretary
5. Bro. Henshaw Lawrence Atuloma – Treasurer
6. Sis. Ihuoma Odinwere – Financial Secretary
7. Sis. Ijeoma Rosemary Chukwuemeka – Welfare Officer I
8. Bro. Honesty Chikezie – Welfare Officer II
9. Bro. Udochukwu Oguamalam – Sports Officer I
10. Sis. Loveth Chinomso – Sports Officer II

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 11. Bro. Abraham Ndubuisi – Evangelism/Bible Study Secretary
12. Bro. Smart Ahaiwe – Prayer Secretary
13. Bro. Amblessed Ifeanyi Chibuzo – Public Relations Officer I
14. Bro. Promise Nkwachukwu – Provost I
15. Sis. Joy Moses – Provost II
16. Bro. Johnny Ezeh – Director of Security
17. Bro. Prince Emeribe – Director of Communications, Innovation and New Media
18. Sis. Ihuoma Jonah – Director of Drama Theatre

Spiritual Development Initiatives

One of the cornerstones of the Diocesan Youth Fellowship is nurturing the spiritual growth of
our young members. This past year, we implemented various initiatives designed to deepen
their understanding of faith, strengthen their connection with God, and equip them to live a
Christ-centered life. Here are some highlights:

1. Diocesan Solemn Assembly: The year began with a powerful and inspiring Solemn
Assembly held in January at the Cathedral Headquarters. This gathering provided a
platform for our youth to receive the Bishop's episcopal and fatherly blessings. His
message was a guiding light for the rest of the year, reminding us of God's presence
and love in our lives.
2. 2-Day Prayer Retreat at All Saints Umuagu: In March, we embarked on a
transformative journey through a 2-day Prayer Retreat held at All Saints Umuagu,
Umuhu Circuit. This dedicated time for spiritual renewal fostered a deeper sense of
fellowship among participants. Through focused prayer sessions, reflection, and
fellowship, youth members were able to strengthen their connection with God and
receive a renewed sense of purpose in their faith walk.
3. Weekly Bible Study on WhatsApp: Recognizing the importance of consistent
engagement with scripture, we initiated a Bible study program on our WhatsApp
group every Sunday. While we acknowledge the need for improvement in
consistency, this platform offers a convenient and accessible way for youth to delve
into scripture and explore their faith in a familiar online environment. We are actively
exploring strategies to enhance engagement and participation in this ongoing
initiative.

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Looking ahead, we are filled with enthusiasm for a calendar brimming with exciting spiritual
development programs designed to further enrich the lives of our youth members.

 Praise Night at Ossah Circuit (May 2024): This upcoming event will be a night of
joyful worship and praise, offering an opportunity for our youth to express their faith
through music, dance, and testimonies.
 Worship Experience at Ebenezer Circuit (June 2024): Focusing on deeper
devotion and intimacy with God, the Worship Experience will provide a space for
focused prayer, inspirational messages, and a spirit-filled atmosphere.
 2024 Diocesan Youth Convention at Ohuhu Circuit 1 (21 st – 26th August 2024):
The pinnacle of our annual programming, the Youth Convention offers a multifaceted
experience encompassing workshops, guest speakers, praise and worship sessions,
and fellowship. This year's convention, hosted by Ohuhu Circuit 1, promises to be a
transformative event for participants.

These upcoming programs, coupled with our ongoing initiatives, demonstrate our unwavering
commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic spiritual environment for our young
members. We are confident that through these diverse opportunities, our youth will be
empowered to grow in their faith, develop strong Christian values, and become active leaders
within the church and society.

FELLOWSHIP AND ENGAGEMENTS

Beyond spiritual growth, the Diocesan Youth Fellowship recognizes the importance of
creating a welcoming and engaging community where young people can connect, socialize,
and develop meaningful relationships. This year, we implemented various initiatives to foster
fellowship and engagement:

1. Diocesan Love Feast (February, Ohuhu Circuit II): This cherished tradition brought
together youth from across the Diocese for a shared meal and celebration of our
Christian fellowship. The Love Feast at Ohuhu Circuit II, held in February, served as
a powerful reminder of the importance of fellowship and unity within our faith.
Through shared prayers, fellowship, and a delicious meal, participants strengthened
existing bonds and fostered new connections.

Looking ahead, we are excited about a calendar packed with engaging events designed to
further strengthen the bonds within our youth fellowship:

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  Sisters' Get Together (April, Cathedral Circuit): This event will provide a
dedicated space for our young women to connect, share experiences, and build
meaningful friendships within a supportive environment.
 Brothers and Sisters Day (May, Cathedral Circuit): Celebrating the unity of our
youth fellowship, Brothers and Sisters Day will offer opportunities for collaborative
activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
 Jean Carnival (August, Ohuhu Circuit 1): Combining fun and fellowship, the Jean
Carnival promises to be a lively event filled with music, dance, and a relaxed
atmosphere for youth from all circuits to connect and celebrate.
 Drama Night (September, Afugiri Circuit): This creative event will showcase the
talents of our young people through theatrical performances. Drama Night offers a fun
and engaging platform for expression and fosters a sense of community spirit.
 Sightseeing Trip (November): This exciting outing will provide an opportunity for
our youth to explore new places, bond over shared experiences, and create lasting
memories.
 End-of-Year Get Together (December): As we conclude the year, we will come
together for a festive and joyous celebration, reflecting on the year's accomplishments
and strengthening the bonds of our youth fellowship.

In addition to the initiatives mentioned previously, the Diocesan Youth Fellowship undertook
a crucial endeavour this year: a circuit visitation tour. This tour allowed us to connect directly
with youth leaders and members across various circuits within the Diocese.

In addition to the initiatives mentioned previously, the Diocesan Youth Fellowship undertook
a crucial endeavor this year: a circuit visitation tour. This tour allowed us to connect directly
with youth leaders and members across various circuits within the Diocese.

Following the circuit tours, we have inaugurated a dedicated committee tasked with
analyzing the data collected and identifying key challenges faced by youth fellowships at the
circuit and local church levels.

We are confident that this comprehensive approach, informed by the circuit tours and the
committee’s work, will enable us to significantly strengthen youth ministry across the
Diocese. We are committed to providing the resources, guidance, and support necessary for
each circuit and local church to nurture a thriving and vibrant youth fellowship.

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Challenges and Opportunities: Charting the Course Forward

The journey of the Diocesan Youth Fellowship is not without its challenges. Here are some
key areas we are addressing:

 Sustaining Engagement: Encouraging consistent participation in our programs,

particularly our online Bible study, remains an ongoing effort. We are exploring new
strategies to enhance interactivity and cater to diverse learning styles.

 Resource Constraints: Limited resources can sometimes hinder the scope of our
initiatives. We are actively seeking partnerships and exploring creative fundraising
solutions to expand our capabilities.

 Competing Priorities: Our youth members face various commitments in their

academic and personal lives. We strive to offer programs and events that are engaging
and relevant, highlighting the value our fellowship brings to their lives.

Despite these challenges, we are optimistic about the future. Here are some exciting
opportunities we see on the horizon:

 Technology Integration: We plan to leverage technology more effectively to reach a

wider audience and enhance the accessibility of our programs. This could involve
interactive online workshops, live-streamed events, or faith-based web applications.

 Collaboration: We are committed to fostering stronger collaboration with other

youth ministries and organizations within the Diocese. This will allow us to share
resources, expand program offerings, and maximize our impact.

 Leadership Development: Investing in leadership training programs will empower

our young members to take on more active roles within the fellowship and the church.
This will ensure the sustainability and continued growth of our youth ministry.

Financial Report

The Diocesan Youth Fellowship operates on a modest budget. Our income sources include
tithes and offerings collected during fellowship events, circuit dues, fundraising activities,
etc.

Circuit Dues: Each circuit within the Diocese contributes a set amount annually to support
the fellowship's activities.

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 Fundraising Events: We intend to organize fundraising events, such as shoe polishing, car
washes, and talent shows to raise additional funds.
 Donations: We are grateful for the generous donations from individuals and organizations
that support our mission.
Expenses:

Our primary expenses are associated with:

 Program Materials: This includes resources for Bible studies, retreats, conventions, and
other youth development initiatives.
 Administrative Costs: These include basic operational expenses for communication,
printing, and transportation.
Financial Transparency:

We are committed to financial transparency. A detailed breakdown of our income and

expenses for the reporting period is available upon request.

Looking Ahead:

We are constantly seeking ways to optimize our budget and explore new funding
opportunities. This will allow us to expand our program offerings, better serve our youth
members, and achieve our goals for the future.

Conclusion

The past year has been a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of the Diocesan
Youth Fellowship. We have witnessed the transformative power of faith, the joy of
fellowship, and the potential of our young members. As we look ahead, we are energized by
the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.

We remain committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of our youth, fostering a vibrant and
supportive fellowship, and empowering them to become leaders who will make a positive
impact on the world. We are confident that through continued collaboration, innovation, and
unwavering faith, the Diocesan Youth Fellowship will continue to flourish.

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We express our sincere gratitude to the Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Ikechukwu Emezi Nkulo
JP, TFG, FIPMA, for his unwavering support, guidance, and blessings have been a constant
source of encouragement for the Youth Fellowship.

Not to forget the support of our amiable Lay President, Sir Princewill Ukaegbu, KJW. Your
leadership, sir, and dedication to the well-being of our young people are invaluable. We also
appreciate the Diocesan Council for their continued oversight and support of the DYF’s
initiatives.

To our Circuit Presbyters, your pastoral care and guidance nurture the faith of our youth. The
Diocesan Youth Coordinator and Circuit Coordinators have shown tireless efforts in
coordinating youth ministry across the Diocese. These efforts are deeply appreciated.

I won’t fail to recognize leaders who working with, have made this journey so far, easy for
us. The Diocesan Executives, the Circuit Presidents and Leaders, and the Local Church
leaders, have displayed dedication to fostering vibrant youth fellowships within our circuits
and the Diocese at large. This is a cornerstone of our success.

The Entire Membership of the Church and the Youth Fellowship: Your ongoing support,
prayers, and participation are the lifeblood of our the youth ministry.

Through this collective effort, we are confident that the Diocesan Youth Fellowship will
continue to flourish. We look forward to shaping a brighter future for the youth of our
Diocese, together.

In Christ,

Bro. Micheal Elite Ezeh

President

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