By Adeniyi, Miracle
The Christ Apostolic Church Youth Directorate has awarded a total of ₦2 million in grants to outstanding participants in its entrepreneurial empowerment programme, marking a significant milestone in youth development initiatives within the church.
The event, described as the first of its kind, was held on March 31, 2026, at CAC All Saints Chapel, Bashorun, Ibadan. It brought together trained, vibrant, and enthusiastic youths who had successfully completed the programme and were eligible for grant awards.
The post-conference empowerment initiative was organised by the Christ Apostolic Church Youth Fellowship and sponsored by United Capital Plc, with a focus on human capacity development.
In his welcome address, the Director of the CAC Youth Directorate, Pastor Peter Olanrewaju, PhD, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the initiative. He noted that the programme aligns with the three-point agenda of the President of Christ Apostolic Church (Nigeria and Overseas), Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele. He urged participants to pursue purpose beyond mere ambition as they step into a world filled with opportunities for prepared minds.
The entrepreneurial programme, which commenced on October 31, 2025, attracted about 1,000 applicants. Of this number, 582 participants successfully completed the training, which covered four key tracks: Social Media for Gospel Impact, How to Start a Business and Grow into Conglomerate, Smart Agriculture, and Remote Job Opportunities.
Out of the successful participants, 200 distinguished themselves through commitment, discipline, and excellence, emerging as graduands. These individuals demonstrated not only completion of the training but also transformation—moving from learning to practical application and from ideas to execution.
A major highlight of the programme was the innovation challenge, where participants developed and presented viable business ideas.
Delivering an exhortation titled “The Skills in Your Hands is a Seed,” the General Secretary of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Emmanuel Mapur, emphasised the importance of utilising one’s God-given abilities. He described skills as seeds that must be sown and encouraged participants not to underestimate or neglect their talents, drawing reference to the parable in Matthew 25:14–21.
Representing the Church President, Pastor T.D. Asokeji, PhD, encouraged participants to view every opportunity as a stepping stone to greater achievements. He also advised them to build strong personal brands, leverage relationships, and remain open to continuous learning.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Pastor Oluremi of United Capital Plc, expressed satisfaction with the programme’s progress. He assured that beneficiaries would be monitored and supported to ensure proper utilisation of the grants.
In total, ₦2 million was awarded to the top eight participants, who are also scheduled to serve as facilitators who will train at least five people in their different assemblies.
The event also provided participants with an opportunity to refresh their entrepreneurial knowledge and network with fellow entrepreneurs.