The Youth Fellowship of the United African Methodist Church (UAMC), Diocese of Badagry, on Thursday unveiled a strategic empowerment initiative aimed at reversing youth migration from the church and strengthening capacity among young members.
The announcement was made at a press conference held to open the Fellowship’s 25th anniversary convention, with leaders declaring their intention to shift focus towards skill development, vocational training, academic advancement, and agribusiness.
Evangelist Kunnuji Abraham Sedote, President of the Youth Fellowship, said the initiative was designed in response to the growing trend of young people leaving the church in search of support systems offered elsewhere.
“It can be proven that two in every ten youths from other denominations, playing significant roles, had UAMC backgrounds. This reality calls for a renewed commitment to building and retaining our young people,” he stated.
He explained that the empowerment programme is built on five key pillars: education support, entrepreneurship, mentorship, agriculture, and career development. To achieve its goals, the Fellowship plans to work closely with professionals, NGOs, and government agencies.
“This initiative is not about programmes; it’s about a process. We want to see meaningful and lasting change in the lives of our youth and our churches,” Sedote added.
The official launch of the empowerment plan is scheduled to take place soon, with the Fellowship calling for volunteers and strategic partners to join the cause.
The President of the Youth Fellowship, Evangelist Kunnuji Abraham Sedote, recounted the history of the organisation, noting that the Fellowship was founded in 1998 as the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) under the Badagry Group of Circuits.
He explained that the idea was birthed by Rev. J.O. Oyelami, alongside Bro. Ayo Akinde and other concerned youths, and later received the approval of the leadership, including The Rt. Rev. S. S. Sanyaolu (Rtd).
According to him, the group held its first formal meeting on March 13, 1998, at the UAMC Badagry Cathedral, and subsequently organised its maiden general youth vigil on April 10 of the same year. He said the Fellowship has since evolved into a diocesan-wide movement, with members actively operating across various circuits.
“We have given ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word, just as Acts 6:4 commands. We are not backing down now,” Sedote stated.
He further disclosed that, over the years, the Fellowship had structured its operations by creating various arms, including a Central Choir, Evangelical Team, Drama Unit, and a Prayer Intercessory Group. He said these departments have helped to deepen youth engagement and strengthen spiritual growth across local assemblies.
Sedote also revealed that the Fellowship rotates its annual youth camp among different circuits to promote inclusiveness and ensure that all areas benefit from the spiritual and social programmes.
On recent achievements, the President highlighted the acquisition of a parcel of land at Kankon, Kesse Road, Badagry West, which he said is intended to serve as the permanent site for the Youth Fellowship’s development projects. He noted that a fundraising drive for the site’s development will be held on Sunday, August 10, during the anniversary Thanksgiving service.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, His Grace, Most Revd. M. J. Toyi, Archbishop of the UAMC Diocese of Lagos, challenged the Fellowship to engage more deliberately with the realities of today’s world.
Drawing from Romans 12:2 and 1 Chronicles 12:32, he urged the church to train youths who are “wise enough to understand the times and strong enough to resist the pressure of sin.”
“Modern tools like social media, music, and technology must be used for God. We must stop raising church attendees without transformation,” he said.
He called for a new model of ministry that raises youths who know scripture, carry the Spirit, serve like Jesus, and lead with wisdom. According to him, youth-focused ministries must multiply if the church is to survive the moral pressures of a digital age.
“The world will not change its standards unless more ministers of truth rise up. We need young people who shine brighter than darkness,” he said.
The four-day convention, themed “Navigating Our Youth Ministry in This Modern World,” continues with symposiums, training sessions, community outreach, and worship events.
As the UAMC Youth Fellowship marks 25 years of spiritual impact and growth, it now looks to the future with a renewed commitment to building young leaders equipped for both the church and the wider world.
