The event, organised by the Fellowship of Dominion Youth and Singles, was tagged “Special Valentine Walk” with the theme “Living in Purity is Possible.”
Participants marched from the church premises through Quarry Road and Post Office, terminating at Panseke, displaying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Say No to Rape,” “No to Adultery,” “No to Child Abuse,” “No to Drug Abuse,” “Purity in Government,” “Purity in Education,” “Purity in Entertainment,” and “No Sex Until Marriage.”
Addressing journalists after the walk, the Bishop of the church, Israel Alaya, emphasised that no society can make meaningful progress in an atmosphere of corruption and unrighteousness.
According to him, “A society that is corrupted cannot advance in any ramification of life. The Bible clearly states that it is righteousness that exalts a nation. Without righteousness, there can be no true progress.”
The cleric charged Nigerian leaders at all levels to demonstrate genuine love through justice and fairness in governance.
He urged authorities to ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities, including terrorism, are duly prosecuted.
“It is justice that promotes a nation. If oppression is allowed, it will not lead this nation anywhere,” he said, stressing that leaders must act with conscience and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on the rationale behind the walk, Bishop Alaya stressed that the bodies of young people are not commodities and must be respected as sacred.
“We want the whole world to know that the bodies of our children are not for sale. They are not meant for fornication or adultery. These children are the leaders of our future, and if we corrupt their lives now, there will be no future for them,” he stated.
He clarified that the church is not against love but advocates for responsible and godly expressions of it.
“True love must not corrupt. True love helps others become somebody in society, not destroy their lives,” he added.
The bishop also advised youths, particularly members of Generation Z, to remain focused on their education and long-term vision, warning against the temptation of quick or dishonest gains.
“They must guard their future jealously. If their future is jeopardised now, they will regret it later,” he said.
