The SCOAN Youth Convention 2024 may have come and gone but the many sweet memories from the worthy initiative will linger in the memory for years to come. In an age of numerous disruptions that both support and hinder the aspirations of the youth, the convention was a brilliant initiative meant to guide young people in the right direction.

Themed “Legacy Of Purpose”, the one-day event was an opportunity for the youths to interact in a relaxed, playful ambience where they could also learn from one another as well as from older people in industry.   

As they sought to highlight lessons from the incredibly impactful life of Prophet TB Joshua, organisers of the event must have been mindful of a passage such as Proverbs 23:26, which says, “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” Of course, that advice applies to both sons and daughters today! The Bible also says in Ecclesiastes 10:10 that wisdom is profitable to direct – and the youths had come in search of some of it at the convention.

A Gathering Of Young Minds

Right from when they started to file into the church, through their game sessions to their active participation in the different segments of the event, the youths cut the picture of elegance, smartness and tempered classiness.

Anchors Wendy and Abraham formed a feisty tag team that carried the audience along as they introduced segment after segment.

After saying the opening prayer, Evangelist Joseph urged attendees to pay total attention to rebuilding themselves.

Only minutes afterwards, Pastor Evelyn Joshua lit up the stage with her presence as she explained the rationale for the convention. She noted Prophet TB Joshua’s commitment to the youths, recalling that he empowered thousands of them with skills, scholarships and guidance.

In continuation of that worthy legacy, Serah Joshua introduced The T.B. Joshua Foundation, disclosing the plan to award scholarships to thirty young people. She said it would comprise 15 education scholarships and 15 small-and-medium-scale funding awards.

As usual, the dynamic SCOAN Choir was on hand to provide music to edify God and lift the spirit of the young ones who had turned out in their numbers. “We are all sons and daughters of love,” they sang.

A Legacy Of Purpose

Speaking on “Legacy Of Purpose”, Evangelist Ope cited Genesis 1:8 while urging the youths to realise that life isn’t about making an income but about making an impact – as Prophet TB Joshua so eloquently did with his life. Prophet T.B. Joshua, he added, lived an exemplary life of selflessness, discipline and purpose. He therefore urged the youth to work towards discovering their God-ordained purpose in life.

Parable of The Talent

Then there was a drama session where the cast demonstrated the need to develop one’s potential instead of frittering away opportunity because of youthful exuberance. The drama sketch, which drew its theme from Matthew 25:14-30, was about using talent properly and thus multiplying it.

From Their Very Mouths

For examples of real-life experiences of youths who encountered God’s mighty moves in their lives during periods of severe challenges, Emmanuel and Uyi shared their stories. Formerly a dyed-in-the-wool cultist, Emmanuel now helps other youths to seek God’s Kingdom since seeing the light himself. Similarly, since encountering God, Uyi has become a software engineer who uses his skills to solve problems at home and abroad.

How Well They Know their Bible

There was also a game session testing Bible trivia where the winners got beautiful prizes.

Discussion Section: Lessons For The Youth

After that came a moderated discussion session involving six panellists. Engineer Woye Olagbaju, the moderator, gave the floor to Zimbabwean media personality Vimbai, who recounted how a fatal accident failed to take her own life and led her to Jesus Christ and a life of prayer.

Another media personality, Nneka, shared her challenges as an orphan who kept seeing God’s hand on her life at every point. She also shared her growth experiences in marriage to her fellow media professional husband. She urged the youths to act faith even in the worst of times.

University lecturer Dr. Adedara told of his encounter with Prophet T.B. Joshua and how the prayers of the man of God made his major PhD defence a walk in the park. “I was shedding quiet tears seeing how easy it had all gone,” he recalled. He urged the youths to be less materialistic and rather focus on the spiritual aspect of life through God’s Word. He also advised them to desist from the façade being created on social media that promote individuals whose lifestyles do not quite merit emulation.

On his part, industry expert Dr. Oluwaseun charged the youths to be intentional about achieving their purpose in life through setting SMART goals. “Remain focused,” he urged them, “like Prophet TB Joshua, who started The SCOAN as a youth.”

From the legal profession, Barr. Olabiwonnu similarly advised the youths to identify their purpose and hold on to God while imbibing the principles of discipline and focus towards attaining their goals in life.

Indeed, the discussants all agreed that success in life is the product of hard work that seeks no shortcuts but relies on focus, discipline and adhering to the counsel of worthy mentors like Prophet TB Joshua. After the session, a number of youths posed engaging questions to the panellists.  

Before the choristers and youth dancers got their final chance of the evening to sing and dance for the glory of the Lord, Promise Joshua made her way to the stage to give the closing remarks and vote of thanks.

Once Evangelist James was done with the closing prayer, the main auditorium erupted in youthful celebrations.

Thank You, Jesus!