BCS: Over 10,000 Youths To Converge In Asaba For BAYA 2019 International Convention

…To Focus On Entrepreneurial Development and Economic Empowerment Of Youths.

By Miracle Enuji

The youth arm of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), Brotherhood All Youth Assembly (BAYA) is set to hold its Annual International Convention from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd September, 2019 in Asaba, the Delta state Capital with a record participation of over 10,000 youths in view.

This year’s convention which is the 7th edition since its advent in 2013, bears the theme, OLUMBA! THE TRUE FRIEND OF THE YOUTHS and will be dotted with both spiritual activities and economic development sessions.

Disclosing the plans and schedules of BAYA 2019, BCS Spokesman, Christ Ambassador Edet Archibong in a Press Conference in Asaba, informed that the international event which draws participants from countries across Africa, Europe, North America and the Caribbean, is a forum for reaching out to the youths, inculcating in them the ideals of God, empowering them and having them gainfully engaged.

He said that the objectives of BAYA is to spiritually and physically empower the teeming youths of the Kingdom, sharpening their minds as viable instruments, promoting moral decency and blending faith with work among them.

Christ Ambassador Archibong in a comprehensive speech, explained that, it is the turn of Delta State to host the 7th BAYA convention having been held in 6 different States over the laast 6 years, “that is why all roads will lead to Asaba, the Delta state Capital, come 20th September”, adding, “with assurance from the Holy Father and the hospitality and ingenuity that Delta State is known for, it is sure that this year’s convention will surpass the previous ones in all its ramifications”.

The Spokesman disclosed that the founder of BCS, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu will be at the convention. “The Holy Father’s physical presence in BAYA indicates the importance attached by the God of Hosts to this unique gathering of youths which is a very significant activity in God’s Salvation Plan for this age”.

The program of events for BAYA 2019 as unveiled includes, Friday, September 20, 2019, Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Summit and Exhibition and Observation of 6am to 6pm Fasting by all delegates travelling down to Asaba; Saturday, September 21, 2019, Solemn Procession across Asaba which will terminate at the Stephen Keshi Stadium followed by the celebration of a World Feast and Sporting activities, and Special Moment with the Holy Father and singing competition. Presentation of at least 3 youths empowered from every State/Nation in various vocations and skills or scholarships, to the Holy Father, will also take place same day.

The Grand Finale and BAYA outpouring of divine blessings will hold on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at Event Center, Okpanam road Asaba with the presided over by the Heavenly Father.

On the benefits of the Convention, Christ Ambassador Edet Archibong cited that the Holy Father’s aim of establishing the youth forum in the BCS has become more necessary now that the contemporary society is constantly plagued by a collapse of religious and moral values, ethnic conflicts, alarming rate of drug abuse, frightening level of violence, cultism and sexual immorality which have led youths astray from the path of salvation, stressing that when youths are gainfully engaged in positive and godly venture, they will not become ready tools in the hands of evil people and enemies of society.

“This Convention is not just an event. The programs as laid out, and designed to reverse negative values and tendencies, deliver both spiritual and economic empowerment for the youths and have them established in profitable business ventures. The economic benefits to the Delta State may include increase in economic activities within the period culminating in increased revenue for the government and increased profit for businesses.

“Moreso, entrepreneurial development on its part will reduce unemployment and generate wealth thereby creating a positive social impact, as 20 slots have been reserved for Delta State Youths nominated by the Delta State Government through the office of the Secretary of the State Government for training at the Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Summit which will hold on September 20, 2019 at Orchid Hotels Asaba ” He said.

Present at the Press Conference were; Archbishop Nixon Edi-Osisike, BCS Delta State Administrator; Christ Ambassador Okon Emmanuel Umanah, International Secretary, BAYA; Bishop-Elect Ifiokabasi Udo, Chairman, BAYA Media and Publicity; Divine Vanguards Sylvester Eboigbe, Chairman LOC, BAYA 2019; Christ Ambassador Udeme Peter; Ogbuji Friday and Nora Oputa.

BAYA, inaugurated in 2012, had its maiden convention in 2013 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Five successive conventions had been held at Abuja, FCT in 2014; Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2015; Lagos, Lagos State in 2016; Owerri, Imo State in 2017 and Yenegoa, Bayelsa State in 2018 respectively.