John Nwaigwe
As the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) Umuahia Diocese Celebrates Her 2026 Youth Day Celebration tomorrow, Saturday, 26th September 2026, Amb. Nwaigwe John Sunday Writes on the Significance of the Event and What the Public Should Expect
To God Almighty be the glory, great things He has done!
We are delighted to address the good people of God and the general public as the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Umuahia Diocese – God’s Own Diocese – celebrates her 2026 Diocesan Youth Day tomorrow, Saturday 26th September, 2026 at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia.
THE SIGNIFICANCE
This year’s celebration is anchored on a very powerful theme: *”TAKE COURAGE, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD” John 16:33.
This theme was prayerfully chosen by the Holy Father, Pope Leo because of what our young people are going through today which are, fear, unemployment, discouragement, moral confusion and anxiety about the future. In the midst of all these, Christ is saying to every youth: “Take Courage, I have already overcome for you.”
For us in CYON Umuahia Diocese, this Youth Day is therefore more than a gathering. It is a spiritual revival, a call to courage, and a renewal of our commitment to be true witnesses of Christ in the Church and in the society. It is a day when youths from Arochukwu LGA, Ohafia LGA, Bende LGA, Ikwuano LGA, Umuahia North and South and some parts of Isuikwuato LGA and all Deaneries that made up Umuahia Diocese will gather as one family to rekindle our faith.
@WHAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD EXPECT
The public should expect a glorious, colourful and spirit-filled celebration.
We will be highly honoured to have our father and Chief Shepherd, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Kalu Ukpong, Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, who will be present to celebrate with us and to bless his youths.
We will also be graced to have our Chairman of the Occasion, Prince Mayor Ukaegbu, a great friend of the youths, and our Father of the Day, His Royal Highness, Eze Noble Adolphus A. Ugwunna (Erizuo 11 of Ezunaerum Autonomous Community Nsirimo) and Mother of the Day, Noble Lady Ugoeze Nkechinyere R. Ugwunna, whose royal presence will be a blessing to the Youths of Umuahia Diocese.
We are also happy to welcome our indefatigable Diocesan CYON Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Christian Ekenedirichukwu Okoro who has been working tirelessly for the Youths of Umuahia Diocese and our National President, Comr. Gosife Kizito Eze, who will be coming to celebrate with us in God’s Own Diocese.
The day will feature an Episcopal Mass, a colourful March Past by all Deaneries, sponsored by AGENT OF MISSION, a non governmental organization based in USA, soul-lifting Drama, Cultural Dances and other beautiful presentations that showcase our faith and culture.
A major highlight will be the Awards Presentation in three categories:
1. Pillars of CYON – for our former members who are now married but have remained pillars of support.
2. Patrons and Patronesses Award – for our fathers and mothers who have supported CYON morally, financially and spiritually.
3. Ezinwa (Good Child) of Umuahia Diocese – for our active, exemplary and committed youths.
We therefore invite all Priests, Religious, parents, friends of CYON and the general public to join us tomorrow at Mater Dei Cathedral as we celebrate.
Come and see what God is doing with the youths of Umuahia Diocese.
Welcome and God bless you!
Amb. Nwaigwe John Sunday is the
Vice President, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) in Umuahia Diocese and the Chairman of the Planning Committee.
