The 2026 Youth Alive Convention of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International (GPMI), Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, ended on Sunday, September 27, 2026, amid jubilation and thanksgiving, with the General Overseer, Rev’d (Dr) Moses Olanrewaju Aransiola, pledging to reward outstanding academic performance.
Rev’d Aransiola made the pledge while ministering at the closing session of the convention held at the church’s headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan. Theme of the convention is “Empowered to Take Charge”.
He promised to give a car to any youth of the church who graduates with a first-class degree, describing the gesture as part of efforts to encourage young people to take their education seriously and maximise their God-given potentials.
According to him, the church had previously rewarded a youth who attained first-class academic standing with a brand-new motorcycle, but this time, a car will be presented.
The General Overseer charged the youths to take deliberate steps towards academic excellence, and develop their potential, urging them to become productive and responsible young people capable of making meaningful contributions to the church, their families and society.
“I charge you to take a step of faith in your studies and endeavour so that you can shine as youths. Failure is a sign that something is not working fine in you. I charge you to become kinetic youths like King David, Hezekiah, and others in the Bible,” he said.
He commended the youths for the successful convention and urged them to study hard, develop their talents and turn their potentials into visible achievements.
Rev’d Aransiola also called on the church to organise a grand reception to celebrate the golden jubilee birthdays of the Assistant Resident Pastor of Chapel of Life, Pastor Kola Oladele, and the Assistant Pastor of Victory Chapel, Pastor Luke Adebayo.
He suggested that the reception be held at the magnificent hall of Victory Chapel, Ibadan, describing the celebration as an opportunity to honour the two pastors for their contributions to the church.
The week-long youth programme, which attracted students from various higher institutions in Ibadan as well as youths from other churches, featured prayers, exhortations, special musical presentations and other activities.
In his welcome address, the Youth Pastor, Pastor Kola Oladele, said the theme of the convention, “Empowered to Take Charge,” was drawn from Daniel 1:17–20.
Oladele explained that the Biblical account of Daniel and his three companions demonstrated how young people could remain committed to their convictions while excelling in knowledge, wisdom, skill and understanding.
He said the convention was organised at a strategic period when young people were confronted with numerous opportunities as well as pressures and distractions.
According to him, the church and society need youths who are spiritually grounded, intellectually equipped, morally sound and courageous enough to make positive contributions in their various fields.
He noted that the four-day programme exposed participants to different dimensions of taking charge, including prayer, media, drama, creative influence, education, career, business, innovation, youth leadership and nation-building.
“Our desire is that every participant will leave not merely inspired, but equipped with deeper spiritual convictions, renewed vision, practical knowledge and a stronger sense of responsibility for the gifts and opportunities God has entrusted to them,” he said.
Oladele added that the church wanted to raise a generation that would not merely complain about societal challenges but would contribute practical solutions and allow their lives to positively influence society.
He particularly thanked the guest speakers for their insightful messages, noting that their teachings really blessed the Youths and those who attended the programme.
The guests speakers included Pastor Daniel Diawande, Lead Pastor of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) The Kings, Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, S.A to the President on Youth Initiate, Pastor Godswill Oyor of Divine Ministries, Pastor Lawrence Oyor of David Ministries, Evangelist Damilola Mike Bamiloye of Mount Zion Drama Ministries and Evangelist Yemi Adepoju, Mount Zion National Vice President
Earlier, the Youth President, Barrister Bolu Aransiola, expressed appreciation to the General Overseer and his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Funmi Aransiola, for their prayers, encouragement and support towards the success of the convention.
He also appreciated the Youth Pastor, Pastor Kola Oladele, the Resident Pastor, Pastor Adebayo Owoseni, other pastors and ministers, parents, invited guests, speakers and students from various higher institutions for their contributions to the programme.
Barrister Aransiola also commended the youths for their commitment, sacrifice, discipline and active participation throughout the convention, expressing confidence that the prayers, teachings and spiritual encounters experienced during the programme would produce lasting positive results in their lives.
He prayed for God’s blessings upon all those who contributed to the success of the convention.
