The Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa (WECA), has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting worship and spiritual growth through its annual Youth Concert. The event took place at the church's headquarters on Campground Road, Anthony Village, Lagos, drawing worshippers from across the region.
Youth Concert as a Ministry
The concert served as the grand finale of a weekend programme dedicated to equipping young people for purposeful Christian living and service. According to the church, musical programmes provide opportunities for members across different age groups to participate in worship while fostering spiritual development through music.
Mr. Banji Tai-Sonubi, the Youth Music Leader of The Apostolic Faith Church, WECA, emphasized that the concert represents more than a musical performance. He stated: "This concert represents more than musical performance; it is ministry. Through sacred music, we proclaim the Gospel, strengthen believers and preserve a heritage of worship that has defined The Apostolic Faith Church for generations." He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor the memory of Rev. John Aina, whose life and compositions continue to inspire worship and devotion.
Rev. Isaac Adigun, the District Superintendent of The Apostolic Faith Church, WECA, was acknowledged for his continued support of youth development and the church's sacred music ministry.
Youth Weekend Activities
The Youth Weekend commenced with Apopreneur 2026, an entrepreneurship and leadership initiative themed "From Integrity to Excellence." The event featured career talks, symposium discussions, panel sessions, and prayer sessions, challenging participants to pursue excellence without compromising their Christian values. Following the sessions, the youths took the Gospel to the streets through an evangelistic outreach tagged "Go Ye," distributing gospel tracts and ministering to residents in neighboring communities.
Musical Performances and Highlights
The concert opened with the congregational hymn "Redeeming Love," led by the Apostolic Faith Youth Choir. The choir's curtain raiser, "Worthy, You Are Worthy," set the tone for an evening that blended classical sacred works, African expressions of praise, and orchestral brilliance. Major choral presentations included "Worthy Is the Lamb," based on Revelation 5 and Revelation 11, and the Gaither classic "When He Set Me Free," featuring soloists, choir, orchestra, and organ accompaniment.
Instrumental performances included "Toccata" by Léon Boëllmann, the "Concerto for Four Flutes and Cello," Mozart's "Turkish March," and "Semper Fidelis" by John Philip Sousa, performed by the wind ensemble and orchestra. African sacred expressions were celebrated through pieces such as "Nsikak Nnam Abasi" by Sunday Ofonime and Moses Samson, and "E f'iyin f'Oluwa," a Yoruba-African classic arranged by the late Rev. John Adelaja Aina.
Tribute to Rev. John Aina
One of the most emotional highlights was the tribute to the late Rev. John Adelaja Aina, who served faithfully as the church's Music Director and passed away in May 2026. The Youth Choir rendered "A Medley of Yoruba Praise" in his memory. During the intermission, the entire congregation rose to sing Yoruba Revival Classics arranged by Rev. Aina, transforming the auditorium into a sanctuary of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Other notable presentations included "Mountain, Get Out of My Way" by Daryl K. Williams and "No Longer a Slave," reinforcing the concert's message of victory, freedom, and unwavering faith in Christ. The altar call featured "Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me," ministered through a special presentation by flutes, strings, and organ, inviting attendees to deeper surrender and commitment to God.
