Christian leaders in Kwara State have called on believers, particularly youths, to embrace spiritual growth, integrity, purposeful leadership and fruitful service as key principles for exercising godly dominion. The call was made at the ANAGKAZO 5.0 Annual Convention, themed *“Dominion,”* held at 1ST ECWA Church located within the city of Ilorin , Kwara State, where speakers emphasised the need for Christians to translate their faith into meaningful and impactful contributions to society.
In his opening speech at the convention, Evangelist Stephen Adeola Awoyale (JP) urged young Christians to recognise their responsibility to influence society positively while remaining firmly committed to their faith and Christian values.
Awoyale said the theme, drawn from Genesis 1:28 , highlights God’s original mandate for humanity to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue it and exercise dominion. He, however, stressed that dominion should not be interpreted merely as the pursuit of power, position or influence, but as a divine responsibility to serve humanity and make a meaningful difference wherever one is placed.
According to him, Christian youths must understand that true leadership goes beyond titles; it involves service, responsibility and the effective use of opportunities and influence to promote positive change in the church and society at large.
“Our greatest asset as Christian youths is not our education, connections, money, popularity or position. Our greatest asset is character,” he stated.
Speaking on the importance of integrity and righteousness, Awoyale challenged young people to remain trustworthy and steadfast in their convictions, even when faced with pressure to compromise their values. He noted that integrity means doing what is right, even when wrongdoing appears easier or more profitable.
Similarly, The Rt. Rev. S. T. G. Adewole, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, called on Christians to embrace spiritual growth, fruitful service and multiplication as essential principles of Christian living.
Adewole, who delivered a goodwill message at the convention, described dominion as a divine mandate rooted in Genesis 1:28, where God blessed humanity and instructed it to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth and exercise dominion over creation. He explained that dominion goes beyond exercising authority, noting that it involves spiritual maturity, responsibility, wisdom and the effective use of God-given abilities to influence society positively.
The CAN chairman urged Christians to move beyond spiritual complacency and embrace purposeful living, insisting that divine authority must be exercised with humility, righteousness and accountability. He congratulated the organisers of the convention on reaching the 5.0 milestone and prayed that the gathering would produce lasting spiritual impact and renewed commitment among participants.
Also ministering at the event, Mrs. Modupe Joel, in a ministration titled “Raising Godly Influencers: Living with Purpose and Dominion,” emphasised that dominion goes beyond authority, describing it as the capacity to make meaningful contributions, exercise responsibility and positively influence others.
Joel explained that an influencer is someone capable of shaping people’s opinions, attitudes and decisions. She noted that a godly influencer should reflect God’s character and values through words, actions and lifestyle while inspiring others to do what is right.
According to her teaching, the biblical account in Genesis 1:27–28 establishes humanity’s responsibility to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and exercise dominion over creation. This responsibility, she stressed, requires purposeful living, careful stewardship and productivity.
On the subject of purpose, Joel noted that individuals must understand their divine assignments and use their abilities to address challenges in society. Referring to Genesis 2:5, she highlighted the relationship between human responsibility and productivity, observing that communities have problems that require people of integrity and commitment to rise to the occasion. She added that meaningful leadership involves creativity, problem-solving and making positive contributions wherever one finds oneself.
In a moment of joy and celebration, awards were graciously presented to distinguished awardees in recognition of their active participation, steadfast commitment and selfless dedication towards the service of God and the growth of the church. The honour was bestowed upon them as a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts, unwavering faith and invaluable contributions to the advancement of God’s work.
The award recipients were commended for their faithfulness and consistency, which have continued to inspire others within the church community.
The ANAGKAZO 5.0 Convention ended on a high note, with participants expressing renewed spiritual vigour and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to exercise dominion as Christians. The convention not only marked a significant milestone in the history of the programme but also served as a clarion call for believers to rise as godly influencers in their various spheres of life.
Participants departed with a renewed commitment to live purposefully, uphold integrity, pursue spiritual growth and contribute meaningfully to societal transformation to the glory of God.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of employment opportunities, empowerment materials and cash support to beneficiaries.The items presented include electrical materials, hair salon materials, barbering equipment, and ₦50,000 cash support.
Our Correspondent reports that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara CAN Chairman, Rt. Rev. STG Adewole, Apostle Shina Ibiyemi (CAN Secretary) Rev. Fr. Ralph Ajewole ( Director, Education, Youth, Women & Development) and Evangelist Stephen Awoyale (YOWICAN Chairman) received leadership awards. While the Accord Party Presidential Candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim
Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Chief Olayinka Fafoluyi, Senator Sodiq Umar, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Hon. Senior Ibrahim Sulyman ( Attorney General of Kwara State), Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye, Mr. Akanbi Tosin (Candela Stage Lights), Barr. Sambo Muritala, Mrs. Ayeni Justina (Optimal Events Services), Mr. Ben Uwabor (Khaki-b Communications), Mr. Oyeyemi Aransiola, Mr. Oluwaseun Adewoye, UMCATS, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Ilorin and First ECWA Church, Ilorin were recognised for always supporting the association.
