Holy Family Youth Movement Okija Holds 3rd Annual Convention

The Holy Family Youth Movement, under the aegis of the Holy Family Fathers and Brothers of the Youth (HFFBY), Okija, held its 3rd Annual Youth Convention on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The event commenced with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Superior General of HFFBY, Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Ezikwelu, and concelebrated by  Frs. Paul Esieme and Paschal Odunze, both of HFFBY, alongside other priests.

In his homily, Fr. Ezikwelu urged Christians, particularly young people, to serve God faithfully and to use their positions, talents, influence and opportunities in the service of God and humanity.

He reminded the youths that no position or power is permanent and cautioned them against pride, noting that “pride goes before destruction.” He encouraged them to embrace Christ, who has the power to transform lives and bring about positive change in Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme of the convention, “One Family, One Earth,” Fr. Ezikwelu thanked God for the gift of young people to the Church and encouraged them to remain steadfast in faith, committed to protecting creation and dedicated to the work of evangelisation.

He urged the youths not to be discouraged by life's challenges but to remain focused on their God-given purpose and contribute positively to the growth of their families, the Church and society.

The Superior General also called on the coordinators and members of the movement to work together and uphold the vision of their founder, the late Very Rev. Fr. Denis Ononuju Obiaga, CSSp. He recalled the founder's teaching that there is no such thing as a “bad child,” stressing that the community has a collective responsibility to help every child discover and fulfil the purpose of his or her creation.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Paul Esieme, HFFBY, Director of Youth Apostolate, thanked God for the gift of the youths, their talents, dedication and contributions to the growth of the Church.

He explained that one of the objectives of the convention was to reorient the youths, provide them with proper guidance and encourage them to make responsible choices for a better future.

In his lecture titled “Injustice in the Family Circle: Our Role, Responsibilities and Future,” Rev. Fr. Joseph Okeakpu, Emeritus Youth Coordinator, emphasised the importance of justice and equality within families.

He called on parents to provide both male and female children with equal opportunities in education, inheritance and other aspects of family life, and urged families to reject discrimination based on gender.

The Youth President, Mr. Emmanuel Njoku Ndukauba, expressed satisfaction with the large number of youths who participated in this year's convention, noting that attendance had increased compared with previous years.

He called on the leaders to lead by example in accordance with the theme, “One Family, One Earth,” and prayed that God would grant the youths and Church leaders good health, wisdom and understanding.

In a vote of thanks, the Coordinator of the Holy Family Youth Movement, Rev. Fr. Paschal Odunze, HFFBY, expressed appreciation to Fr. Ezikwelu for his commitment to the growth and welfare of the youths and commended him for supporting the organisation of the programme.

He also thanked Fr. Paul Esieme for his efforts and appreciated the guest speaker, Fr. Joseph Okeakpu, HFFBY. He expressed special gratitude to  Sr. Consolatus Nneka Emegwa, SCS, for her sponsorship and support.

Fr. Odunze further appreciated the priests and brothers working in the school, as well as members of the Holy Family Youth Movement, for their various contributions to the success of the convention. He prayed that God would bless them abundantly.

He explained that the convention was organised to bring the youths together, listen to them, teach and guide them, and help them build a promising future as responsible citizens.

The convention concluded with Holy Mass, during which participants gave thanks to God for His guidance, protection, fellowship and blessings throughout the programme.

Fr. Odunze urged the youths, as they returned to their various homes, to continue living out the message of the year's theme: “One Family, One Earth.”

Highlights of the programme included skills-acquisition training, free medical check-ups, a dinner night, praise and worship, sports and games.