IKA YOUTH ARISE 2024 CONFERENCE INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS TO THRIVE IN THE DIGITAL AGE
By Loveth Okolie
Ika Youth Arise, the annual youth conference of the Anglican Communion ended on Sunday 15th December, 2024, leaving participants empowered and inspired to navigate the evolving world of technology and entrepreneurship.
The event kicked off on Wednesday, December 10, 2024, with a two-day digital training programme themed “21st Century Entrepreneurship Trends and Innovations in A.I. and Emerging Tech for Navigating the Digital and Circular Jobs Markets.” The training was led by renowned presenters Dr. Amos Obi, Principal Innovator, Hetaved Skills Academy for Innovations and Entrepreneurship, and Dr. Kwo Kin Nam of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, who shared invaluable insights on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and sustainable business strategies. Their sessions provided practical tools for building careers in the digital economy.
The training programme which took place at The Anglican Cathedral of Ascension, Boji-Boji Owa was generously sponsored by the Bishop of Ika Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ifeanyi Ekpenisi, whose support underscored the church’s commitment to equipping young people with the skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world.
Saturday marked the official opening ceremony, which featured a keynote address by Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, the Primate of the Anglican Communion(Rtd.). In his speech, he described the youth as the engine of the society and urged them to embrace high morals because according to him, “moral is suffering both decay and decline.” He emphasized the importance of equipping oneself with the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st-century marketplace, noting that the Bishop Ekpenisi Godfrey Growth Initiative is a Divine intervention.
The conference also included talks by great personalities such as former Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, Rev’d Engr. Samuel Onyeidu, Rev’d Canon Kelvin Okowa, and goodwill messages from the Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, Rev. Onyekachukwu Okoh, Dr. Isitor of Onu-Ika National, and Ven. Olomu.
Other dignitaries at the event include Dame Evang. Edith Okowa, former first lady of Delta State, Evang. Mrs. Ngozi Bamah, Ven Justin Chigbo Olomu, Dame Dr. Omumu amongst others.
The conference culminated on Sunday, December 15, with a solemn Holy Communion service. Pastor Ovie Ezimeruwe delivered a powerful sermon on the theme of the conference “Youthful and Useful”, urging the church to remain steadfast in their faith while pursuing personal and professional growth. Taking David as a case study, the Clergy encouraged the congregants especially the youth to be useful to the family, God, nation and the society at large.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the knowledge gained and the networking opportunities provided during the digital training. Ven. John Utagwuni, Gideon Godwin, Uchechukwu Blessing and many other participants shared their experiences at the programme emphasising that the conference has opened their eyes to the endless possibilities in the digital and circular job markets.
SEE ALSO: I AM A PRODUCT OF GOD’S GRACE – Rt. Reverend Ekpenisi
The Ika Youth Arise conference has once again proven to be a transformative platform for nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators, bridging the gap between spirituality, technology, and societal impact