Nigeria : Children’s Sabbath Celebration in Northern Nigeria Reveals a Rock-Solid Future as Kids Lead Worship
Children’s Sabbath Celebration in Northern Nigeria Reveals a Rock-Solid Future as Kids Lead Worship
[Photo:A cross-section of Primary Class pupils reciting memory verses during their special presentation]
By Ezinwa Alozie
Communication Director, Northern Nigeria Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
On July 26, 2025, the global Seventh-day Adventist Church marked Children’s Sabbath—a special day set aside to affirm children as active participants in the life and mission of the Church.
With the theme “Rock Solid with God,” the celebration in Northern Nigeria was not just a joyful gathering for children and their families—it became a powerful revelation that the future of the church in this region is, indeed, rock solid. The day’s service, led almost entirely by children, showcased remarkable spiritual gifts, confidence, and leadership potential among the youngest members of the church.
 Amanda Chinedu delivering her sermon during the Divine Service |
 A cross-section of Children officiating various parts of the Divine Service |
 Children presenting a dramatic exposition on The Great Controversy |
 A cross-section of Children presenting Bible and class recitations with confidence and joy |
In Abuja, for instance, the Children’s Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Central Church Durumi, added extraordinary value to worship as children took full leadership of the service.
From Sabbath School to the Divine Service, the children employed their talents through singing, preaching, and special presentations, including Bible recitations, class memory verses, Great Controversy exposition, and more. Their voices rang with conviction and youthful sincerity, echoing a determined resolve to follow God all the days of their lives.
A major highlight was a sermon titled “God’s Love is Rock Solid,” preached by 9-year-old Amanda Chinedu. With clarity and boldness, Amanda shared the story of the widow of Zarephath and her encounter with Prophet Elijah, based on 1 Kings 17:8–24. Her key text was Isaiah 41:10, and her delivery rekindled faith, hope, and trust within the congregation.
“I felt nervous at first,” Amanda shared, “but I kept praying and asked God to help me. I felt the Holy Spirit in me. It was not by my might or power, but by the Lord’s grace that I was able to preach in the big church.”
She described Children’s Sabbath as a day to showcase the talents and skills children have learned and to glorify God.
“It’s a day of joy,” Amanda added, “where we show our parents what we’ve learned in the children’s department—and when they see it, they give glory to God because our teachers have done a good job.”
 Children flipping through their study guides during the Sabbath program
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 A cross-section of Children and their teachers performing a special song during the Children’s Sabbath Celebration
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 Children_s song leaders leading out in congregational hymns
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 The Children’s Choir ministering in song during the worship service
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The head elder, Elder Nwolu Okerewa, on his part, described the program as “topnotch” and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual and moral growth of its children.
“Here at Central Church, we believe our children are not just leaders of tomorrow, but also of today.
“We invest in them and support their teachers because what we saw today was excellence in every form. The children were simply brilliant,” Elder Okerewa said.
In a symbolic and touching moment, six children teachers received gifts of recognition for their dedicated service in the Children’s Ministries. The gesture, though small, underscored the importance of recognizing and encouraging young leaders.
 Mrs. Nwanyioma Aguh, Children’s Ministries Coordinator, passionately supporting the day’s program
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 Pastor Amos Catier, President of Abuja West Nigeria Mission, commending the children before offering a special prayer for them and their leaders
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_presenting_gifts_to_Children%E2%80%99s_Ministries_teachers_in_appreciation_of_their_service.JPG?thumbnail=large&1754311619) Elder Nwolu Okerewa (center) presenting gifts to Children’s Ministries teachers in appreciation of their service
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A cross-section Worshippers attentively watching children’s presentations during the service
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Mrs. Nwanyioma Aguh, Children’s Ministries Coordinator, along with teachers Dr. Titilayo Kayode-Alabi and Mr. Alfred Nwogu, emphasized how giving children opportunities to lead during Children’s Sabbath helps lay a strong foundation for their future roles in church leadership and discipleship.
Mrs. Aguh expressed deep gratitude to God, the church leadership, her ministry team, parents, and members who contributed selflessly to the success of the 2025 Children’s Sabbath. She summarized the essence of Children’s Ministries in one powerful statement:
“To catch them in their mother’s womb is the goal. The mission is to make every child a disciple of Jesus.”
The celebration concluded with a special prayer of dedication by Pastor Amos Catier, President of the Abuja West Nigeria Mission of Seventh-day Adventist Church, who prayed for God’s continued guidance and righteousness over the children, their leaders and parents.
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