By Kelvin Obambon
The Presbyterian Young People’s Association of Nigeria (PYPAN) has conferred an award of excellence on the Co-convener of Cross River State Southern Senatorial Zone Stakeholders Forum, Elder Chief Ogban Ebock.
The award which is in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the socio-political and economic development of Biase, Cross River and Nigeria as whole, was bestowed during the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the PYPAN, Biase Presbytery, held on Sunday 16th May, at the Presbyterian Church, Adim in Biase local government area.
In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Elder Ogban charged the youth not to be misled but make right choices both in the church and society as children of God, noting that as members of PYPAN, they are soldiers of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. He called on them to always speak out against those in position of authorities whether in the church or outside.
Earlier in a special church service to mark the 20th Anniversary, the guest minister, Rev. Kelly Isong, who built his sermon around the theme, “The Place of Choice in Preparing for Glory”, said it is a matter of choice for anyone to become successful in life, and that making a choice alone does not guarantee sucess until action is taken.
Rev. Isong urged the youths not to give up in whatever challenges they may encounter and that they should always position themselves for the glory of God to be made manifest in their lives.
He stressed on the need for the youths to be firm in whichever decision they take, noting that the roads to achieving breakthrough are not always without shocks and jolts.
The guest minister stated that for youths to attract God’s glory upon their lives, they must “Stay in God’s sacred place, study the word of God and live by His standards, and be a multiple giver in season and out of season.”
He also admonished those in places of authorities not to use their positions to oppress and intimidate people.
Meanwhile, speaking with Paradise News shortly after receiving the award, Chief Ogban thanked the PYPAN for finding him worthy of such an honour.
He said “Though they may have criteria for selecting recipients of the awards, which I don’t know, I thank the young men and women in the PYPAN for honouring me.
“I feel excited for the award and it will spur me to do more to develop our young people. To me, this award is a call to service.”
He advised those who are positively impacting the society, but were not selected for the award, to keep on doing the good works, as they too would be noticed and recognized some day.
About 30 persons, including the Technical Assistant to the Vice President on New Media, Hon. Philip Obin; Chairman of Biase Council, Hon. Ada Charles; Calabar Synod Clerk, Rt. Rev. Egbai O. Egbai; Dr Kanu Aya; Comrade Chris Edadi among others, were conferred with various categories of awards.
