Youth Directorate

Overview

The Youth Directorate of the Anglican Diocese of Zaria is one of the most vibrant and strategic service arms of the Diocese. It serves as the central coordinating body responsible for nurturing the spiritual growth, leadership development, and active participation of children, teenagers, and young adults within the Church.

The Directorate is committed to raising a new generation of Christ-centered leaders who will uphold Christian values and contribute meaningfully to the mission of the Church and the transformation of society.

The Youth Directorate operates under the leadership of Rev’d Canon Ifeanyi Wingate Okoli, who serves as the Diocesan Youth Director. Through his leadership, the Directorate coordinates programs, activities, and spiritual formation initiatives designed to guide young people toward a deeper relationship with Christ while equipping them for responsible Christian living.

Vision of the Youth Directorate

The vision of the Youth Directorate is to build a spiritually vibrant generation of young Christians who are grounded in the Word of God, committed to the mission of the Church, and prepared to serve as responsible leaders in both the Church and society.

Mission of the Youth Directorate

The mission of the Youth Directorate includes:

Promoting spiritual growth and discipleship among young people
Encouraging active participation of youth in church life and leadership
Providing mentorship, guidance, and Christian education
Creating platforms for fellowship, evangelism, and outreach
Developing leadership skills and moral character among young members

Through these initiatives, the Directorate helps prepare young people to become committed ambassadors of Christ.

Structure of the Youth Directorate

The Youth Directorate functions as an umbrella body coordinating several youth-focused ministries across the Diocese. These ministries cater to different age groups and stages of spiritual development.

The key ministries under the Youth Directorate include:

Anglican Children Ministry (ACM)
Teenage Ministry
Boys Brigade
Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF)
Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC)

Each of these ministries contributes uniquely to the holistic development of young members of the Church.

Anglican Children Ministry (ACM)

Nurturing the Faith of Children

The Anglican Children Ministry (ACM) focuses on the spiritual formation of children within the Diocese. It provides structured programs that introduce children to the teachings of the Bible and the values of the Christian faith.

Through Sunday school lessons, interactive teaching sessions, and faith-based activities, ACM helps children develop a strong spiritual foundation from an early age.

Key Objectives

Teaching biblical principles in age-appropriate ways
Encouraging children to grow in faith and Christian character
Supporting moral and spiritual development
Preparing children for active participation in church life as they grow older

ACM also organizes special events such as children’s rallies, Bible quizzes, and seasonal celebrations that reinforce Christian teachings.

Teenage Ministry

Guiding Adolescents in Faith and Character

The Teenage Ministry serves adolescents within the Diocese by providing spiritual mentorship during a critical stage of personal development.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by teenagers in contemporary society, the ministry focuses on helping young people develop strong Christian values, self-discipline, and moral integrity.

Ministry Activities

Bible study and discipleship classes
Youth mentorship and counseling
Leadership and character development programs
Educational and career guidance initiatives

The Teenage Ministry helps bridge the transition between childhood faith formation and active youth participation within the Church.

Boys Brigade

Character Development and Discipline

The Boys Brigade is a longstanding Christian youth organization within the Anglican tradition that focuses on developing discipline, leadership, and Christian character among boys and young men.

The organization integrates spiritual formation with structured activities that encourage teamwork, responsibility, and service.

Core Objectives

Promoting Christian character and leadership among boys
Encouraging discipline, responsibility, and teamwork
Supporting spiritual and moral development
Providing structured activities that build confidence and leadership skills

The Boys Brigade also participates in parades, training camps, and community service initiatives.

Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF)

Youth Fellowship and Leadership Development

The Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) is the primary fellowship platform for young adults within the Diocese. It provides opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development, and active participation in the mission of the Church.

Within the Anglican Diocese of Zaria, the AYF has continued to play an important role in mobilizing youth for evangelism, fellowship, and service.

The Diocese has been blessed with dedicated youth leadership, including Blessing Ehigiator, who served as the Diocesan AYF President, providing leadership and coordination for youth activities across the Diocese.

Activities of the AYF

Youth conventions and conferences
Bible study and prayer meetings
Evangelistic outreach programs
Leadership training and capacity building
Social and community engagement activities

Through these initiatives, AYF continues to strengthen youth participation in the mission and life of the Church.

Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC)

Promoting Evangelical Renewal

The Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) is a spiritual movement within the Anglican Church that emphasizes biblical teaching, personal conversion, and active evangelism.

Within the Youth Directorate of the Anglican Diocese of Zaria, EFAC provides platforms for deeper spiritual renewal among young people through fellowship, prayer, and evangelistic outreach.