Clergy Underscores Importance of Engaging Youth in Music as AVOMA Presents Music Carnival 2025
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Director of the Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke Music Academy (AVOMA), Rev. Fr. John Anowai, has stated that engaging youth in music is crucial and cannot be overemphasized.
He noted that the approach to evangelism used in the past differs significantly from that of the present, particularly when it comes to reaching modern youth and drawing them closer to God.
Fr. Anowai made this statement during the 2025 AVOMA Music Carnival, held at Shanahan Auditorium, Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The event began with a Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Anowai himself, during which he acknowledged the hand of God in the growth of AVOMA and expressed gratitude for the abundant grace upon the academy’s proprietor, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke.
In an interview, Fr. Anowai further explained that the most effective way to draw young people to God and encourage them to attend church is by starting with what already interests them. He pointed out that AVOMA was founded with evangelism at its core, using music as the medium.
Describing youth as “the future of tomorrow,” he emphasized that they are naturally drawn to sports and music. If these interests are invested in and nurtured within the Church, he said, young people would be more inclined to remain connected to their faith—especially in today’s era of increasing secularism and paganism.
According to him, establishing a music academy helps to uncover the gifts God has placed within young people.
“Sometimes, people have talent but are unaware of it until someone helps them develop it,”
“Through AVOMA, these talents are discovered and used in service to God and humanity.”he said.
Fr. Anowai lamented the challenges of parental indifference and lack of funding, which hinder the establishment and expansion of music programs for youth.
Nevertheless, he praised Archbishop Valerian Okeke for his enduring love and commitment to young people, noting that since the beginning of his episcopacy, the Archbishop has consistently supported and celebrated youth, even hosting them for special dinners.
“The best achievement in music is human formation,” “As we teach them music, we also bring them back to God, so they can not only play instruments well but live meaningful, faith-filled lives.” Fr. Anowai said.
He revealed that two members of AVOMA graduated with first-class degrees in Music from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), while two others are currently studying Music at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). In addition, two AVOMA alumni are now living abroad, playing the flute professionally.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Okeke, who prayed at the opening of the event, encouraged the youth to remain steadfast in their worship of God through music and to commit themselves to their studies.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, sponsor of AVOMA, stated that his support for the academy is his way of contributing to youth development, providing them with a sense of belonging, and helping them realize their God-given talents.
Valentine Ozigbo also commended Archbishop Okeke for founding the music academy and praised Fr. John Anowai for his exceptional leadership.
Quoting the famous saying, he added, “He who sings, prays twice.”
The AVOMA Music Carnival 2025 featured a variety of performances, including stage dances, choral renditions such as Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, a stage band performance, among others.
