THIS IS OUR STORY

In the heart of Anambra State, amidst the lush landscapes of Ekwulobia, a transformative movement is taking root, nurturing both the soil and the soul. This is an uplifting tale of how faith, community and the soil itself come together to transform young lives in Ekwulobia Diocese. On Saturday, March 8, 2025, during the inaugural Agro-Seminar for young Catholics in the Ekwulobia Diocese, a transformative decision was made: to establish the Catholic Youth Agro Movement (CYAM). This initiative emerged from a collective desire to empower the youth of Ekwulobia and Nigeria at large, instilling in them a profound appreciation for agriculture as a noble vocation intertwined with faith. Recognizing the challenges of youth unemployment and the drift from agrarian roots, CYAM was founded to rekindle the dignity of labour and the sanctity of the land. Through hands-on agricultural training, spiritual formation, and community engagement, we aim to cultivate a generation that sees farming not just as a means of sustenance but as a divine calling. We are thrilled to announce our maiden Harvest Exhibition, scheduled for October 26, 2025. This vibrant celebration will showcase the fruits of our labour, featuring bountiful harvests of yams, cassava, vegetables, and grains. The exhibition will symbolize not only agricultural success but also spiritual growth and communal unity. We warmly invite you to join us in this celebration of faith, youth empowerment, and the enduring value of agriculture. What to Expect at the Maiden Harvest Exhibition: Faith in Action: Witness how our young members integrate their Catholic faith with agricultural practices, demonstrating stewardship of the earth as a divine mandate. Community Encounter: Engage with local farmers, artisans, and community leaders in a collaborative environment that fosters mutual learning and support. Testimony of Transformation: Hear inspiring stories from youth whose lives have been positively impacted through their involvement in CYAM, highlighting personal growth and renewed purpose. Growing Beyond the Plot: CYAM is more than an agricultural initiative; it's a movement aimed at holistic youth development. By cultivating the land, we cultivate character, responsibility, and a sense of community. Our vision extends beyond the fields, aspiring to nurture leaders who will drive positive change in society, rooted in faith and committed to sustainable development. CYAM stands as a testament to what is possible when faith meets action. By sowing seeds of knowledge, discipline, and devotion, we are reaping a harvest of empowered youth ready to lead Nigeria towards a future of food security, environmental stewardship, and moral integrity. Goals Faith-Rooted Learning: Organize regular formation sessions that explore biblical teachings on creation, stewardship, and the dignity of labor. Incorporate prayer and reflection into all practical training workshops. Practical Agricultural Skills: Establish demonstration plots in every parish to teach best practices in crop production, soil health, and water management. Host quarterly field days and “farm labs” where members gain first-hand experience in vegetable gardening, poultry rearing, and agroforestry. Youth-Led Agribusiness: Launch an annual “Green Entrepreneurs” grant program to seed youth-driven projects—such as beekeeping cooperatives, fish ponds, or value-added food processing. Provide mentorship and linkages to local agribusiness experts, credit unions, and markets. Community Outreach & Partnership: Collaborate with diocesan schools, local government, and agricultural colleges to expand resources and technical support. Host the annual October Harvest Exhibition as an open-air fair, showcasing member produce and inviting inter-parish exchange of seeds, techniques, and testimony. Sustainability & Environmental Care: Promote eco-friendly practices—composting, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and water conservation—in all CYAM activities. Encourage tree-planting drives and the protection of local watersheds as part of our duty to protect “our common home.” Leadership & Personal Growth: Cultivate servant-leadership through roles in planning events, teaching peers, and coordinating community service projects. Document and share member success stories to inspire wider diocesan participation and model how faith and farming together can transform lives. Join us as we sow seeds of hope and harvest a future filled with promise.