Kogi Research & Development DG applauds Christian group over election of officers

In a resounding tribute to The Student Christian Movement (SCM) of Nigeria, Barrister Moses Okezie-Okafor, Director-General, Research and Development, Kogi State, has lauded the organization’s successful 32nd National Biennial Conference.

In a press statement issued in Abuja on Monday and made available.to CAPITAL POST, Okezie-Okafor commended the SCM’s leadership and its members, emphasizing the timeliness of this year’s Conference theme, ‘Raising Sons of Issachar,’ derived from 1 Chronicles 12:32 in the Bible.

Highlighting the urgency of nurturing young individuals capable of comprehending the complexities of their times and taking decisive actions like the Sons of Issachar in the Bible, Okezie-Okafor commended the SCM for taking the lead in raising Nigerian youth who not only understand the existential crises of our contemporary times in Nigeria but have been trained to create actionable and inclusive solutions for them.

Moses Okezie-Okafor, a former three-time national officer of the SCM, also revealed that the organization holds a distinguished position as Nigeria’s oldest and one of her largest youth organizations. Founded in 1940 by Dr. Akanu Ibiam, former premier of the defunct eastern region, and Pa Ejiwunmi, a renowned statesman from the then western region, the SCM has a rich history of mentoring and empowering youth.

He pointed out that The Student Christian Movement (SCM) of Nigeria is an affiliate of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) based in Geneva, Switzerland, with a consultative status at UNESCO. Okezie-Okafor, a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed confidence in the Tinubu Administration, saying it is already initiating policies and programs aimed at rekindling the confidence of Nigerian youth in their country in line with its electoral commitments to provide Renewed Hope and a Future Assured for all citizens.

He further recommended that the Nigerian government engage with the SCM to gain insights into the concerns of the nation’s youth, especially Christian youths who have voiced legitimate concerns about the direction of the nation over the past decade, with particular regard to tribe and religion, saying that the SCM which is a student/youth-based ecumenical, interdenominational, non-racial, missionary organization is best suited for such a partnership.

The 32nd National Biennial Conference took place at the SCM’s JR Mott International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, drawing thousands of young participants from tertiary, primary, and secondary schools across Nigeria. Additionally, alumni and online attendees joined the gathering, marking a significant and threshold event.

Notably, the conference resulted in the election of a new leadership team that will steer the SCM’s activities for the next two years, with Mrs. Ebere Ubesie securing re-election as National President. Her team includes Rev. Olumide Toluwase, the Senior Friends Network and Support Group Coordinator, among other committed individuals. Barrister Moses Okezie-Okafor extended his warm regards to Mrs. Ubesie, acknowledging her expertise as a seasoned financial expert and banker who has already shown singular capacity for transformational leadership, while wishing her and her leadership team divine guidance and the wisdom of the Sons of Issachar in their important roles within SCM Nigeria.

The full list of the new leadership of SCM Nigeria is as follows:- National President: Mrs. Ebere Ubesie- Vice President and ATIC Chairman: Mr. Adebisi-Ojo Oluwatimilehin- National Secretary: Mr. Okeoghene Horrace Isuosuo- Assistant Secretary and ATIC Secretary: Mr. Francis Adah Anthony- Treasurer: Dr. Mrs. Adanna Adeola-Divine- Financial Secretary: Miss Precious Enamekere Umoh- Senior Friend Network & Support Group: Rev. Olumide Olalekan Toluwase- National Movement and Building: Rev. Sunday Ojarikre Ogborokpa- Literature and Publication Coordinator: Mr. Ernest Weridongha- Assistant National Movement and Building: Mr. Daniel Aduralere Esan- National Prayer Coordinator: Mr. Ebubechukwu Solomon Adaba- Assistant Prayer Coordinator: Eric Chidera Okolo- Resource Mobilization Coordinator: Mr. Samuel Adekunle Adewole- Women and Children Affairs Directorate (WACAD) Coordinator: Mrs. Sophia David Adotama- International and Inter-Church Affairs: Mr. Chidiebere Emmanuel Ozioko