Fellowship! In Christ Jesus!

Beloved people of God,I greet you all in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

It is with profound joy, gratitude, and thanksgiving to Almighty God that I warmly welcome you into the Year 2026. We return all glory, honour, and adoration to God, who in His mercy and faithfulness has preserved our lives and brought us safely into a new year.

The theme before us, “If God Be for Us, Who Can Be Against Us?” taken from Romans 8:31, is both reassuring and empowering. It reminds us that the presence of God in our lives is the ultimate assurance of victory. In a world filled with uncertainties, challenges, and spiritual battles, this divine truth anchors our faith and renews our confidence. When God stands with us, no opposition; physical, spiritual, or emotional can prevail against His divine purpose for our lives.

As youths of Akure Anglican Diocese, we are called to enter this year with bold faith, unwavering hope, and renewed commitment to Christ. The assurance of God’s support should propel us into lives of holiness, service, discipline, and obedience. We must live as ambassadors of Christ, shining lights in our families, churches, communities, and society at large.

The year 2026 beckons us to deeper fellowship, stronger unity, and greater dedication to the mission of the Church. Let us arise as youths who trust God completely, fear Him reverently, and serve Him wholeheartedly. When God is for us, discouragement loses its grip, fear gives way to faith, and limitations are transformed into testimonies.

Let’s be reminded that this year is a special year in Akure Diocese as our Diocesan, The Most Revd. Simeon Oluwole Borokini Ph.D., CFAT and Mama Province; Princess Christianah Adetunbi Borokini will be retiring and new Bishop will be elected. It is our duty to stand in the gap, praying fervently for smooth retirement and seeking God’s face for a man after His own heart.

On behalf of the Anglican Youth Fellowship, Akure Diocese, I warmly welcome every one of you; our Fathers and Mothers in the Lord, our Patrons and Patronesses, and our distinguished fellow youths.

As we journey through this year, may the Lord go before us, stand beside us, and surround us with His unfailing love. May 2026 be a year of spiritual growth, divine protection, uncommon breakthroughs, and enduring testimonies for us all.

Once again, you are warmly welcome to the Year 2026, and may God bless you richly as we journey together.

God bless you all.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026 in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Festus Olalekan ONI

President, Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) Nig.

Akure Diocesan Council.

© 2026