By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
In a grand gesture of ecclesiastical festivity, Hon. Amb. Belusochukwu Enwere, JP, the outgoing president of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), friends, well-wishers, and the youths in Nigeria, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, were all joyful during the Solemn Thanksgiving Mass held at the revered Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara Mbaise. The event marked the culmination of Hon. Amb. Belusochukwu’s distinguished five-year tenure at the helm of YOWICAN, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, dedicated to fostering youth participation in Church activities and community service initiatives.
The Holy Mass to begin the event was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi CMF, with several esteemed clerics in attendance. Part of the concelebrating priests was Rev. Fr. Dr. Gilbert Alaribe, the chaplain of the Imo State Government House Chapel. In his homily, Bishop Nwobi extolled the virtues of gratitude, commending Belusochukwu’s initiative to acknowledge God’s providence through the thanksgiving Mass. The prelate’s words underscored the significance of thanksgiving as a spiritual discipline, particularly in times of accomplishment and transition.
Notable attendees included Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s president, who was recognized with a prestigious award for his contributions; Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the minister of youth development, who commended Belusochukwu’s dedication to youth empowerment; and various high-ranking government officials and dignitaries.
In his address, Hon. Belusochukwu expressed profound gratitude to God for all His graces towards him. He thanked the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese and the immediate past CBCN president, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, for their great support to him during his time in office. He extended his gratitude to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his transformative vision of allowing the youths to participate in the political affairs of the country, and to the governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his great impact and support towards the eastern youths. He equally appreciated the efforts of his family members and the gathered assembly for their unwavering support. He urged YOWICAN members to sustain their engagement with the Church, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in shaping the Church’s future.
The event concluded with a renewed call for youth participation in church and community affairs, as attendees wished Belusochukwu well in his future endeavors. The Thanksgiving Mass effectively demonstrated his impactful tenure as YOWICAN president amidst accolades from spiritual and government leaders.
