Youth Weekend Ends With Celebration of Faith and Sacred Music

The Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa (WECA), on Sunday brought its 2026 Youth Weekend to a memorable close with a spiritually uplifting Youth Concert that celebrated sacred music, Christian service and the enduring legacy of the late music director, Rev. John Adelaja Aina.

The concert, held at the church's headquarters on Campground Road, Anthony Village, Lagos, attracted worshippers from different parts of the region and marked the climax of a three-day programme aimed at equipping young people for purposeful Christian living and service. The annual event also served as a platform for preserving the church's rich tradition of sacred music while encouraging youths to uphold Christian values and excellence in their daily lives.

Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Evangelism Set the Tone

The Youth Weekend began on Friday with Apopreneur 2026, an entrepreneurship and leadership initiative themed "From Integrity to Excellence." The programme featured career talks, symposium discussions, panel sessions and prayer meetings designed to challenge participants to pursue professional and personal success without compromising their faith.

As part of the outreach activities, participants also embarked on an evangelistic campaign tagged "Go Ye," taking the Gospel message to neighbouring communities through the distribution of gospel tracts and personal ministrations.

Concert Showcases Sacred and Classical Masterpieces

The highlight of the weekend was the Youth Concert, one of the church's longstanding sacred music traditions and a key feature of its annual musical calendar, which includes the Adult Easter Concert, Children and Youth Concert, Adult Camp Concert and Christmas Concert.

The evening opened with the congregational hymn, "Redeeming Love," after which the Apostolic Faith Youth Choir led worshippers through a series of choral and orchestral presentations. The choir's opening rendition of "Worthy, You Are Worthy" set the tone for an evening that combined classical sacred compositions, African praise expressions and orchestral performances.

Among the notable choral presentations were "Worthy Is the Lamb," based on the biblical texts in Revelation chapters five and eleven, and the Gaither classic "When He Set Me Free," which featured soloists, choir, orchestra and organ accompaniment.

Orchestral Performances Highlight Musical Excellence

Instrumental performances also formed a major part of the programme, with renditions of "Toccata" by Léon Boëllmann, the "Concerto for Four Flutes and Cello," Mozart's "Turkish March," and John Philip Sousa's "Semper Fidelis" performed by the wind ensemble and orchestra.

The concert equally showcased African sacred music through presentations such as "Nsikak Nnam Abasi" by Sunday Ofonime and Moses Samson, as well as "E f'iyin f'Oluwa," a Yoruba-African classic arranged by the late Rev. John Adelaja Aina.

Emotional Tribute Paid to Rev. John Adelaja Aina

One of the most emotional moments of the evening was the tribute to Rev. Aina, who served for many years as the church's Music Director before his passing in May 2026.

In honour of his contributions to sacred music ministry, the Youth Choir presented "A Medley of Yoruba Praise" in his memory, while the congregation participated in the singing of Yoruba Revival Classics arranged by the late cleric. The tribute transformed the auditorium into an atmosphere of thanksgiving and remembrance as worshippers celebrated the life and ministry of the revered music leader.

Other presentations included "Mountain, Get Out of My Way" by Daryl K. Williams and "No Longer a Slave," both reinforcing themes of faith, victory and spiritual freedom. The altar call featured a special rendition of "Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me" by flutes, strings and organ, inviting worshippers to deeper commitment and surrender to God.

Youths Urged to Preserve Spiritual Heritage

Speaking on the significance of the concert, the Youth Music Leader of The Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa, Mr. Banji Tai-Sonubi, described the programme as a ministry beyond musical performance.

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. We are particularly grateful for the opportunity to honour the memory of Rev. John Aina, whose life and compositions continue to inspire worship and devotion.

— Mr. Banji Tai-Sonubi

Tai-Sonubi further challenged young people to preserve the church's spiritual and musical heritage.

As young people, we have been entrusted with a rich spiritual and musical legacy. Our responsibility is to uphold that legacy with integrity, pursue excellence in all we do, and use our gifts to draw souls closer to Christ.

— Mr. Banji Tai-Sonubi

Weekend Closes With Renewed Commitment to Service

The District Superintendent of The Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa, Rev. Isaac Adigun, was also acknowledged for his continued support for youth development initiatives and the church's sacred music ministry.

As the curtains fell on the 2026 Youth Weekend, participants departed with renewed commitment to worship, evangelism and Christian service, bringing to a close a weekend that blended spiritual growth, community outreach and musical excellence.