The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State chapter, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, has been honoured with an Award of Honour in recognition of his contributions to youth development and empowerment in the state.
The award was presented by the Men's Christian Association (MCA) of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Azuiyiokwu Model Parish, during its 2026 Father's Day celebration held on Sunday in Abakaliki.
Ochishi was recognised as a "Pillar of Youth Transformation" for his commitment to promoting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and prospects of young people across Ebonyi State.
Presenting the award, the leadership of the association commended the NYCN chairman for his dedication to advancing youth inclusion, leadership development and empowerment programmes.
According to the organisers, the recognition was in appreciation of Ochishi's sustained efforts in championing causes that have positively impacted young people and encouraged their active participation in community development.
They noted that the award reflects the church's commitment to celebrating individuals whose leadership and service have contributed significantly to societal growth.
The award was received on behalf of Ochishi by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Johnson Ogbonna Idenyi, who represented him at the event.
In his acceptance message, Ochishi ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Johnson Ogbonna Idenyi, expressed gratitude to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and the Men's Christian Association for the honour.
He described the recognition as a call to greater service and pledged to intensify efforts aimed at creating more opportunities for young people in the state.
"This recognition is not just for me, but for every young person striving to make a difference in our communities. It will inspire me to do more in advancing programmes that promote youth empowerment and development," he said.
Ochishi reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address challenges facing young people and to advocate policies that promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The event attracted church leaders, youth stakeholders, community members and other well-wishers, who lauded the NYCN chairman for his leadership and contributions to youth development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the MCA Central Working Committee (CWC), Mr Ikechukwu Ndukwe Okoro, felicitated with fathers and members of the association across the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 Father's Day celebration.
In a goodwill message, Okoro urged members to embrace the church's 2026 theme, "Grace upon Grace," drawn from John 1:16, and the sub-theme, "Men of Extravagant Grace."
He called on fathers to demonstrate God's grace in their homes, workplaces and communities through exemplary leadership and service.
Okoro also urged members to recommit themselves to key projects and reforms within the association, including the completion of the MCA Hostel Project, engagement with church authorities on the review of the MCA Constitution and the enhancement of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Enterprise Resource Planning (PCN-ERP) platform.
He pledged that the new leadership of the association would prioritise spiritual revival through evangelism, discipleship and prayer, while promoting economic empowerment, digital transformation and stronger family support systems.
The MCA chairman also paid tribute to members who died between Father's Day 2025 and this year's celebration and welcomed new members into the association.
The 2026 Father's Day celebration was held under the leadership of the Minister-in-Charge of Azuiyiokwu Model Parish, Rt. Rev. Francis Ajah, alongside the Session Clerk, Elder Mrs Nkechi Chukwu.
