YSA in Nigeria Gather for Spiritual Uplifting

Young Single Adults (YSA) from the Lagos Coordinating Council in Nigeria gathered for a special summit held on October 31, 2025, where they received instruction from Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and first counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, along with leaders from BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Their messages focused on commitment, discipleship, and identity in Christ, offering uplifting counsel tailored to the needs and spiritual progression of young single adults.

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The theme of the summit was “Rise and Shine Forth” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:15). Participants represented the nine stakes within the Lagos Coordinating Council. Of the nearly 1,000 attendees, about 15% were friends of the Church who are also students of BYU-Pathway. The YSA were strengthened by training from Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, career experts, and employment specialists.

During one of the sessions, Elder Akingbade Ojo, an Area Authority Seventy and Regional Director for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (S & I), encouraged the YSA to seek Christ through both religious and secular education. “Acquiring the right education will open many doors of opportunity for you,” he taught. Another Area Seventy of the Church, Elder Asuquo Udobong who is the Online Institute Director for S & I, invited the YSA to learn “through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Ezekiel Effiong, a YSA from the Lekki Stake, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn and connect with his peers, describing the experience as “electrifying.” He shared, “I have learned the importance of unity, teamwork, and the path to self-reliance, and I am committed to being better because of this summit.”

Grace Osas Izevbokun, who unexpectedly became engaged on the final day of the event, also expressed sincere gratitude to the Church and the summit organizers, calling the experience a “miracle.” She said, “The highlight of this summit for me was having the love of my life, Frank Omoregbe, propose to me. I am excited to be married to him in the temple.”

President Victor Ukorebi of the Lekki Stake, who also serves as the Senior International Area Manager for BYU-Pathway, taught the YSA about the importance of building strong relationships and becoming better disciples of Jesus Christ. He invited them “to think celestial and trust in the Lord, for He knows you.”

In his concluding remarks, Elder Ojediran encouraged the YSA to be a light to the nation, to live righteously, and to continue steadfastly on the path of discipleship. He reminded them that they are pioneers—the strength of the Church—and invited them to “read the scriptures, pray, and help others to become converted to the Lord. If you keep the commandments and hearken to the words of the Lord, He will bless and endow you with power from on high.”

Elder Ojediran’s message was both inspiring and instructive. His counsel invited the young adults to deepen their commitment, strengthen their discipleship, and embrace their divine identity. The devotional concluded with participants feeling renewed purpose, many expressing gratitude for the clarity, motivation, and spiritual direction they received. His words continue to resonate, serving as a guiding compass for their spiritual and personal journeys.