31/07/2026
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS DELIVERED BY AYOKUNLE OLUWASEUN ADEDEJI, PRESIDENT, ANGLICAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP NIGERIA, OWO DIOCESAN COUNCIL & PRESIDENT, ANGLICAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP NIGERIA, ONDO PROVINCIAL COUNCIL AT THE 42ND ANNUAL BIBLE STUDY CONFERENCE HELD AT ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, IMORU, OSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
PROTOCOLS
The Right Reverend Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, FICT, CFAT, Diocesan Bishop of Owo, and Mama Owo, Mrs. Florence Ebunoluwa Fagbemi, M.Ed. (Sunderland); President of the women's organization.
The Ven. David Akinyemi, Archdeacon of Ifon Archdeaconry;
The Ven. Seth Oke Akinro, Director, Youth Work Directorate;
The Ven. Wale Olakunori, Diocesan Youth Chaplain;
The Revd Solomon Fagade, Assistant Diocesan Youth Chaplain;
The Revd Canon Dr. Timothy Atteh, Chaplain, Ifon Archdeaconry;
Prince Caleb Aladesunloye, President, Ifon Archdeaconry;
All clergy, L.O.C Chairman & members , distinguished guests, delegates, brothers and sisters in Christ.
ADORATION
All glory, honour, adoration, and thanksgiving be to Almighty God for granting us yet another privilege to gather in His presence for the 42nd Annual Bible Study Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Owo Diocesan Council.
It gladdens my heart to warmly welcome you all to this year's conference. Our great Diocese has continued to distinguish itself as a leading Diocese among its peers across Nigeria, and we return all the glory to God for His faithfulness.
With great joy and in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, I hereby declare this conference officially open.
OUR STEWARDSHIP
The Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Owo Diocesan Council, has continued to make remarkable contributions to youth ministry within our Diocese, the Province, and the Church of Nigeria.
Our 41st Annual Bible Study Conference was successfully held at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Imola, Owo, from Thursday, 7th August to Sunday, 10th August, 2025, with a total attendance of 556 delegates, representing another significant increase in participation.
Owing to the adjustment in our Diocesan Conference calendar, our Diocese was unable to participate in the National Bible Study Conference held at Oleh Diocese, Bendel Province. Nevertheless, we remain committed to active participation in subsequent national programmes.
The three-year tenure of the previous Diocesan Executive came to a successful conclusion with a power-packed leadership seminar held at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Imoru, Ose Local Government Area, on 6th September, 2025. During the same programme, a new Executive Council emerged. I was privileged to be re-elected as the Diocesan President while also serving as the Ondo Provincial President of the Fellowship. Mr. Femi Kayode was elected as the Diocesan Secretary, alongside other dedicated officers. I congratulate every member of the Executive and pray that God will grant us wisdom and strength for effective service.
Archdeaconry Elections and Leadership Development
The emergence of the new Diocesan Executive ushered in a new phase of leadership across our Archdeaconries, aimed at promoting effectiveness, growth, and purposeful reorganisation within the Diocese.
To the glory of God, seven Archdeaconries have successfully conducted their elections and now have duly elected officers. They are:
- Cathedral Archdeaconry – Mr. Ayodele Fadiminiyi
- Ifon Archdeaconry – Prince Caleb Adesunloye
- Owo Archdeaconry – Bro. Taiwo Olorunfemi
- Ipele Archdeaconry – Bro. Mathew Gift Johnson
- Iyere Archdeaconry – Bro. Oluwasogo Abegunde
- Owo North Archdeaconry – Bro. Segun Olagundoye
- Uso Archdeaconry – Bro. Todimu Afolabi
We look forward to the successful conduct of elections in Okeluse, and Owo West Archdeaconries in due course.
Permit me to specially congratulate the good people of Uso Archdeaconry on the creation of the Emure-Ile Archdeaconry, which was recently carved out of the former Uso/Emure-Ile Archdeaconry. This development marks another milestone in the growth and expansion of our Diocese. I congratulate both Archdeaconries and pray that God will grant them greater progress and fruitfulness.
For the time being, Bro. Ife Ogunleye is serving as the Acting President of Emure-Ile Archdeaconry while also serving as the substantive President of Our Saviour Anglican Church, Emure-Ile. On behalf of the Diocesan Council, I warmly welcome him into this new responsibility and pray that Almighty God will grant him wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he carries out this assignment.
May I also remind us that only the Cathedral Branch and Owo Archdeaconry have officially inaugurated their newly elected executives. We are hopeful that the remaining Archdeaconries will complete their inaugurations before the end of the year. May God grant every newly elected officer the grace to serve faithfully and effectively.
On 28th November, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting the Annual General Meeting of the Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Ondo Provincial Council. We remain profoundly grateful to our Lord Bishop for his financial, moral, and spiritual support, which greatly contributed to the success of the meeting.
The Annual December Youth Conference was held at St. John's/St. Mary's, Unity Secondary School, from Wednesday, 17th to Saturday, 20th December, 2025, under the theme: "Knowing the Lord Personally: A Requisite for Spiritual Growth" (1 Samuel 2:11–12).
On 15th February, 2026, our Lord Bishop officially inaugurated the newly elected Diocesan Executive at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Imola, Owo, alongside the Executive of the Cathedral Branch. Mr. Ayodele Fadiminiyi was inaugurated as President, while Mr. Miletus Adafin assumed office as Secretary.
Similarly, on Sunday, 8th March, 2026, the Executive of Owo Archdeaconry was inaugurated at St. Patrick's Anglican Church, Ijebu-Owo. Mr. Taiwo Olorunfemi was inaugurated as President, while Miss Mercy O. Awojana became the Secretary.
Between 19th and 22nd March, 2026, three delegates represented Owo Diocesan Council at the Pre-Joshua Generation International Conference held at St. George's Anglican Church, Oke-Agbe. Furthermore, seventeen delegates, accompanied by the Revd Emmanuel Valentine, represented our Diocese at the Joshua Generation International Conference held in Enugu in April 2026.
The Ondo Provincial Council also successfully hosted the Annual General Meeting of the Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria at St. George's Anglican Church, Oke-Agbe, Akoko Diocese, from Friday, 1st to Sunday, 3rd May, 2026. Owo Diocesan Council participated actively and made meaningful contributions.
As your President, I reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Owo Diocese continues to fly its flag proudly across the Province and the Church of Nigeria. By God's grace, we shall leave no stone unturned in advancing the vision and mission of our Fellowship.
THE 41ST ANNUAL BIBLE STUDY CONFERENCE
Last year, we gathered at our beloved Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Imola, Owo, for the 41st Annual Bible Study Conference with the theme "My Help Comes from the Lord." We thank God for granting us a successful and impactful conference.
We sincerely appreciate the Dean of the Cathedral, The Ven. Dr. Bunmi Aladegbami and his wife, the Cathedral clergy and wives, and the Standing Committee for their outstanding support and hospitality. We were delighted to record another increase in attendance, rising from 511 delegates at Iyere in 2024 to 556 delegates at the Cathedral in 2025.
The Cathedral hosting also marked the commencement of our annual rotational hosting arrangement between the Cathedral and the various Archdeaconries. We pray that God will sustain this vision and continue to strengthen our Diocese.
THE 42ND ANNUAL BIBLE STUDY CONFERENCE
Today, we are delighted to gather at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Ifon, as the entire Ifon Archdeaconry graciously hosts this year's Conference.
We thank God for removing every obstacle and making possible what once appeared impossible. I sincerely appreciate the President of Ifon Archdeaconry, Prince Caleb Adesunloye; the Chaplain, The Revd Canon Dr. Timothy Atteh; and the Archdeacon, The Ven. David Akinyemi, for their tireless commitment and exceptional leadership in hosting this Conference.
I also commend all the Chaplains within Ifon Archdeaconry for their remarkable unity, cooperation and unwavering support throughout the planning process. Their dedication has been invaluable.
It is noteworthy that barely a week ago, Ifon Archdeaconry also successfully hosted the Diocesan Synod at Imoru. Despite the enormous responsibility, the good people of Ifon have once again demonstrated excellence, commitment and sacrificial service. Indeed, nothing is impossible with God.
We pray that God will continue to strengthen Ifon Archdeaconry, bless every labour of love, and grant even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
OUR THEME
By the special grace of God, the theme of this year's Conference is "If God Is for Us" (Romans 8:31–32).
This inspiring theme reminds us that when God is on our side, no opposition, challenge, or power can ultimately prevail against us because His sovereignty guarantees our victory. It assures us of God's unfailing love, divine protection, abundant provision, and the confidence to fulfil His purpose for our lives without fear. As believers, our greatest dividend is the assurance that God, who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will also graciously provide everything we need according to His perfect will. Therefore, let us remain steadfast in faith, obedient to His Word, and courageous in service, knowing that with God on our side, we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.
PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
By the grace of God, we introduced the Presidential Awards for the very first time last year to recognize outstanding members of the Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Owo Diocesan Council, whose exemplary service, dedication, and achievements have brought honour to the Fellowship and the Church.
The first recipient was Former Miss Adesola Ikeoluwa Asiwaju, Esq., LL.B (Hons), who was honoured for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the Fellowship throughout our first tenure as President from 2023 to 2025. She was also recognized for her remarkable personal achievement of being called to the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This outstanding accomplishment has brought great pride to our Fellowship, and we are delighted to celebrate her success.
The second recipient was Mr. Sunday Adebanji of the defunct Uso/Emure-Ile Archdeaconry, who received the award as the Best Archdeaconry President (2023–2025). His dedication, diligence, punctuality, and exemplary leadership remain worthy of emulation. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated integrity, competence, and unwavering commitment to the growth of the Fellowship. Having attained the constitutional age limit of forty (40) years for holding office in the Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, he has successfully completed his service. We sincerely appreciate his immense contributions and pray that God will continue to prosper him in all his future endeavours.
In addition, the Award of Excellence for Meritorious and Selfless Service was presented to our ever-diligent, amiable, and highly respected former Director of the Youth Work Directorate, The Ven. Dr. Olatunde Olaniran Abiodun, in recognition of his outstanding service between 2014 and 2025. Ven. Dr. Abiodun served as a loving father, dependable mentor, inspiring teacher, and committed servant of God. Before his appointment as Director, he faithfully served as the assistant Diocesan Youth Chaplain thereafter appointed Diocesan Youth Chaplain, where his leadership left an enduring impact on youth ministry across our Diocese. His years of sacrificial service remain a lasting legacy, and we pray that Almighty God will continue to bless his ministry abundantly.
As we continue to celebrate excellence, we remain committed to identifying and honouring individuals whose lives and service inspire others. By God's grace, this recognition will continue to be an annual tradition within our Fellowship.
OUR GRATITUDE
I cannot conclude this address without expressing my profound appreciation to His Lordship, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, FICT, CFAT, the Diocesan Bishop of Owo and Captain of the Lord's Army. His Lordship unwavering financial, moral, spiritual, and fatherly support for youth ministry in our Diocese is immeasurable. His passion for raising a godly generation continues to inspire us, and we remain deeply grateful.
My sincere appreciation also goes to The Ven. Seth Oke Akinro, Director of the Youth Work Directorate, and his dear wife, for their steadfast encouragement, wise counsel, and continuous support towards the growth of youth ministry.
I equally appreciate The Ven Wale Olakunori, our Diocesan Youth Chaplain, and his wife, for their exemplary leadership, pastoral care, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual development of our youths.
My heartfelt gratitude also goes to The Revd Solomon Fagade, Assistant Diocesan Youth Chaplain, and his wife, whose readiness to support the Fellowship in every capacity has contributed immensely to our progress.
Permit me to specially appreciate my beloved wife, Chief Mrs. Oluwabusayomi Adedeji, for her unflinching support, wise counsel, constant encouragement, and fervent prayers. She has remained a dependable partner in God's vineyard and a strong pillar behind every success recorded during our administration.
I sincerely appreciate all members of the past and present Executive Councils for their loyalty, cooperation, commitment, and sacrifices. Together, we have continued to move the Fellowship forward, and I thank you all for believing in our shared vision.
To the Archdeacon, Chaplain, President, Executive members, and the entire people of Ifon Archdeaconry, thank you for accepting the responsibility of hosting this Conference. Your sacrifices, hospitality, and excellent coordination are highly appreciated. May God reward your labour of love abundantly.
Finally, I express our sincere gratitude to all our donors and supporters who have consistently contributed towards the success of this Conference over the years. I use Mama Owo, Mrs. Florence Ebunoluwa Fagbemi, as a point of contact to appreciate every benefactor. Ẹ ṣé púpọ̀; a mọ̀ lóre. We are sincerely grateful for your generosity and may Almighty God richly reward you all.
OUR SORROW
While we rejoice with those who celebrated God's blessings, we also remember with deep sadness the passing of one of our beloved fathers in the Lord, Mr. Emmanuel Ojo Olorunfemi, a devoted Lay Reader of St. Patrick's Anglican Church, Ijebu-Owo, and father of our Diocesan Public Relations Officer and President of Owo Archdeaconry, Bro. Taiwo Olorunfemi. He will be buried in the coming weekend.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family and pray that Almighty God will comfort them and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace.
OUR JOY
We rejoice with Baba and Mama Owo for the blessings of new additions to the Diocesan family.
In January 2026, The Revd and Mrs. Solomon Fagade was blessed with a bouncing baby boy. In April 2026, The Revd Canon and Mrs. Taiwo Ogundare also welcomed a bouncing baby boy both priests are our DIOCESAN Chaplain's. In the same month, the family of your President Chief and Chief Mrs. Ayokunle Adedeji was equally blessed with a bouncing baby boy.The children have been christened Hallelujah Ona-araloluwa Fagade, Rehoboth Iseoluwa Ogundare, and Matthew Ayooluwadubaje Adedeji respectively. We pray that Almighty God will preserve them, grant them good health, and use them mightily for His glory.
We also rejoice with all our youths across the Diocese who celebrated graduations, marriages, childbirths, and other divine blessings during the year.
In particular, we congratulate the families of Chief and Chief Dr. Mrs. Asiwaju and Engr. and Mrs. Dahunsi, whose children, Dr. Ayomikun Asiwaju and Barr. Mrs. Desola Dahunsi, were joined together in Holy Matrimony on 18th July, 2026, at St. Patrick's Anglican Church, Ijebu-Owo. Both families remain integral members of Owo Anglican Diocese.
We congratulate our Diocesan Legal Adviser, Barr. Mrs. Desola Dahunsi, and pray that God will continually bless and establish her home.
CELEBRATION OF OUR FATHERS IN GOD
We rejoice with all our youth-friendly Fathers in God who were recently preferred by our Lord Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, FICT, CFAT, during the just concluded Diocesan Synod held at this same venue. We thank God for His faithfulness in their lives and ministries and pray that He will continually strengthen them for greater service in His vineyard.
On this special occasion, we particularly celebrate our Host Chaplain, formerly The Revd. Dr. Timothy Atteh, who has now been preferred as a Statutory Canon. We deeply appreciate his unwavering love for youth ministry, his generosity, sound biblical teaching, and exceptional mentorship. Since his arrival in the Diocese, he has consistently honoured our invitation to minister at our Annual Bible Study Conference as a distinguished Old Testament scholar. We congratulate him, his beloved wife, Mrs. Abigail Atteh, and the entire Atteh family on this well-deserved elevation. May the Lord continue to increase His grace upon your ministry.
We also celebrate God's abundant faithfulness in the life of our outstanding Diocesan Chaplain, formerly The Revd. Canon Wale Olakunori, now The Ven. Wale Olakunori, Archdeacon on Special Duties in our great Diocese.
The Ven. Wale Olakunori is a man of vision, purpose, and unwavering commitment to youth development. He has continued to nurture and mentor us with remarkable leadership experience as an Anglican Youth Fellowship expert. Before his ordination, he served faithfully as the longest-serving Diocesan Secretary and later as President of the AYF Cathedral Branch. Following his ordination into the priesthood, he served as Assistant Diocesan Chaplain before becoming our Diocesan Chaplain.
His ministry within the Youth Directorate has brought stability, unity of purpose, discipline, spiritual growth, leadership development, and renewed passion for evangelism. Year after year, he has remained committed to mentoring young people and equipping them with sound scriptural knowledge and a deeper understanding of the Fellowship.
Sir, we heartily congratulate you and thank God for the invaluable support of your dear wife, Mrs. Funmilayo Wale-Olakunori, who has faithfully coordinated our conference kitchen over the years with dedication and love. May the Lord continue to preserve, strengthen, and bless both of you in your ministry. Congratulations once again.
APPOINTMENTS
To further strengthen and advance youth ministry within our Diocese, some distinguished and eminently qualified members have been nominated for appointment as Life Patrons, Life Matrons, Patrons, and Matrons of the Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Owo Diocesan Council. These appointments reflect broad representation from all the Archdeaconries within the Diocese.
We prayerfully look forward to their acceptance of these responsibilities. Their investiture is scheduled to hold on Sunday, 17th January, 2027, alongside the Rededication Service of the Diocesan Council Executive. We commit them into God's hands, praying that He will preserve our lives and grant us the privilege of witnessing this historic occasion together.
In the same spirit, I am pleased to announce the appointment of our beloved sister, Mrs. Funmilayo Falowo, one of the Bishop's Nominees and a committed member of our Diocesan Council, as the Coordinator of Married Sisters (Under 40 Years) for a renewable term of three years.
Under her leadership, this forum will focus on mentoring young married women on building godly Anglican homes, promoting family values, providing empowerment opportunities, and offering motherly support to members of the Fellowship.
I trust that she will discharge this responsibility with diligence, wisdom, and excellence, and I equally solicit the cooperation of all our married sisters. The Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria is for every Anglican youth up to the age of forty years; therefore, every group must be adequately represented, for there is indeed no vacancy in God's vineyard.
We pray that God will sustain their marriages, grant them wisdom, peace, unity, and fruitful homes. We also look forward to the inauguration of this forum before the end of the year.
COMMENDATION
Permit me to sincerely commend the present Diocesan Officers, our Assistant Diocesan Youth Chaplain, and our Diocesan Chaplain for their faithfulness towards the monthly contribution of ₦1,000. Their consistency and commitment have been exemplary, and I am sincerely proud of every one of them.
These contributions have significantly assisted us in meeting the day-to-day administrative needs of the Fellowship, while the Diocese continues to support our transportation and participation in programmes outside the Diocese.
May I respectfully appeal that this commendable initiative be extended to the entire Executive Council, comprising the Diocesan Elected Officers, Archdeaconry Chaplains, Archdeaconry Presidents, and Archdeaconry Secretaries. Such collective support will further strengthen our capacity to organise impactful programmes across the Diocese and deepen our commitment to youth ministry.
As we all continue to labour together in the Lord's vineyard, may Almighty God richly bless every cheerful giver, strengthen our fellowship, and grant us greater exploits in His service. Amen.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The National Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria will hold from Wednesday, 5th August to Sunday, 9th August, 2026.
Participation is very important, particularly for our competitors, youth stars, and Archdeaconry leaders. I strongly encourage every Archdeaconry President or Secretary to ensure that their representatives attend the Conference. Such exposure will deepen their understanding of the Fellowship, improve their leadership capacity, and prepare them for greater responsibilities in the future.
Letters requesting sponsorship have already been forwarded to all Archdeaconries. I appeal for maximum participation as we continue to make Owo Diocese proud at the national level.
CONCLUSION
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I urge every delegate to be law-abiding throughout this Conference. Let us attend all lectures, participate actively in every programme, and conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of our Christian calling and the doctrines of the Anglican Communion.
May Almighty God bless every one of us, preserve us throughout this Conference, and grant us the privilege of gathering again next year in greater numbers and with greater testimonies.
By the grace of God, see you all at Ipele in 2027.
*_Ayokunle Adedeji_*
President, Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Owo Diocesan Council
President, Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria, Ondo Provincial Council (Ondo State & Ekiti State)
(Adunbaren of Ipele, Amuwagboye of Iyere & Obadamola of Upenmen)
