OBYC Honours 33 Individuals, 9 Churches with Commendation and Merit Award During Joint Youth Week Evening Service

By Jide Afolabi

The Ogbomoso Baptist Youth Conference (OBYC) recorded another significant milestone during its 2026 Joint Youth Week Evening Service as thirty-three distinguished individuals and nine local churches were honoured with Commendation and Merit Awards for their outstanding contributions to youth ministry development within the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference.

The event, held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Beulah Baptist Centre, Ogbomoso, commenced at 3:00 p.m. and formed a major part of activities marking the 2026 Youth Week Celebration. The well-attended service was fully coordinated and led by youths across the Conference, demonstrating their commitment to Christian service and leadership development.

The programme featured vibrant worship sessions, congregational hymns, Scripture readings, prayers, and special presentations by youth groups from various churches within the Conference.

The spiritual highlight of the service was the sermon delivered by the Youth Week Guest Minister, Pastor Matthew Bamidele, who spoke on the theme, “Explore,” drawn from Genesis 13:14–18. In his message, he challenged youths and the entire congregation to embrace God’s vision, rise above limitations, and boldly explore the opportunities and territories God has prepared for His people through faith, obedience, and total dependence on Him.

A special prayer session was led by the Chairman of the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference, Rev’d. Dr. ‘Yinka Ojo, who offered fervent prayers for the youths, youth pastors, churches, conference leadership, victims of kidnapping and insecurity, and the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

The service was further enriched by goodwill messages from prominent Baptist leaders, including Rev’d. Dr. Solomon Olawuyi James, Director of Youth and Students Ministries of the Nigerian Baptist Convention; Rev’d. Dr. Thomas Niyi-Ojo, President of the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference; and Rev’d. Dr. Goodspower Okitipki, National Youth Coordinator of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

The leaders commended the Ogbomoso Baptist Youth Conference for its unwavering commitment to youth development, discipleship, and kingdom service. They encouraged members to remain steadfast and continue advancing the cause of Christ through purposeful engagement and spiritual growth.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of Commendation and Merit Awards organized by the Ogbomoso Baptist Youth Conference under the leadership of Conference Youth President, Dn. ‘Tayo Oyekunle, and Conference Youth Secretary, Bro. John Akintola.

The awards were presented to deserving individuals and churches in recognition of their sacrificial service, mentorship, support, encouragement, and invaluable contributions toward the growth and advancement of youth ministry within the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference.

Among the thirty-three individual award recipients were Rev’d. Dr. ‘Yinka Ojo, Rev’d. Dr. Thomas Niyi-Ojo, Rev’d. Dr. Solomon Olawuyi James, Rev’d. Ṣẹgun Babalola, Rev’d. Dr. Thomas Kolade, Dr. Sunday Oyelami, Rev. (Mrs.) D. F. Awoniyi, Dn. and Dns. Amos Adaramola, Chief Mrs. Popoola Funmilayo Mary, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Solomon Olagoke Adisa Akinola, Oyeyode III, Oranmiyan of Oko Land, Rev’d. Dr. Sunday Oyeniran, Rev’d. Dr. Olufemi Taiwo Ojo, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi (BUNVIC), Mr. James Oyekola Oyekunle, Mrs. Felicia Oyebola Bolade, Mr. Benjamin Oyekan Oyekunle, and several other notable contributors to youth ministry development within the Conference.

Nine local churches were also honoured for their exceptional support and commitment to youth ministry. The churches recognised were First Baptist Church, Oko; Orisun Iye Baptist Church, Ogbomoso; Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso; Alaafia Oluwa Baptist Church, Gambari; Itesiwaju Baptist Church, Odo-Oba; First Baptist Church, Obada, Odo-Oba; Oke-Isoko Baptist Church, Ogbomoso; First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso; and First Baptist Church, Apiti.

Responding on behalf of the award recipients, beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude to God and appreciated the leadership of the Ogbomoso Baptist Youth Conference for recognising their efforts and contributions towards nurturing and empowering young people for effective Christian service.

The Joint Youth Week Evening Service concluded with thanksgiving to God for a successful gathering and a renewed commitment by participants to continue advancing youth ministry across the Conference. The closing prayer was offered by Rev’d. Dr. (Mrs.) Niyi-Ojo.

The event stands as a remarkable testimony to the impact of collaborative leadership, dedicated service, and the unwavering commitment of the Ogbomoso Baptist Youth Conference to celebrating excellence, inspiring service, and encouraging greater participation in youth ministry within the Nigerian Baptist Convention.