More than 500 teenagers of the Teens Church of the Assemblies of God Church (AGC), Surulere, Lagos—popularly known as the House of Transformation—have taken or renewed a chastity vow, pledging to abstain from sexual immorality and remain pure until marriage.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the church’s 2026 Chastity Parade, held ahead of Valentine’s Day, with the theme “Chastity, My Life of Freedom.” The teenagers sealed their pledge with palm stamps on a commitment board, symbolising their resolve to say “No” to premarital sex and “Yes” to godly living.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Pastor, Rev. Bright Unuane, stressed that godly parenting and moral training are crucial to raising children who will positively transform society.
He lamented the growing normalisation of immorality and corruption but expressed confidence that children nurtured in chastity would emerge as nation builders and change agents.
Rev. Unuane urged parents to lead by example and create godly homes, warning that exposure to immoral content at home undermines efforts to raise disciplined children.
He described the Chastity Parade as a deliberate effort to teach teenagers right values in a society grappling with moral decline, worsened by unchecked internet influence and emerging technologies.
Also speaking, Elder Evangelist Chidi Udo, Pastor of the Teens Church, highlighted the dangers surrounding Valentine’s Day, noting that many teenagers are pressured into sex under the guise of love.
He warned of the consequences of sexual immorality, including abuse, exploitation, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, and called for collective action by parents, schools, churches and communities to protect young people.
Evangelist Udo dismissed claims that virginity no longer exists among youths, insisting that many teenagers are choosing purity. He revealed that more than 500 teenagers took the vow last year, with an even higher number participating this year.
According to him, testimonies from participants show that the vow empowers them to resist pressure, reject inducements and make firm moral choices.
He added that chastity aligns not only with biblical teachings but also with Nigeria’s cultural values across ethnic groups, urging continuous advocacy beyond Valentine’s Day.
The Guest Speaker, Pastor Victor Olukoju, founder of the Sexual Chastity Academy, distinguished between genuine love and the distorted version often promoted during Valentine celebrations.
He described God as the true definition of love and warned that sexual immorality has lasting consequences.
According to him, choosing purity before marriage leads to freedom, safety and a clear conscience.
Contributing, Bro. Chidozie Nnaji, Assistant Pastor of the Teens Church, said the annual programme serves as a powerful reminder that helps teenagers stand firm amid peer pressure, while Bro. Kalu Kalu, Teens Coordinator of the AGC Lagos Mainland District, announced plans for a stakeholders’ conference in June to further address challenges facing teenagers.
The 2026 Chastity Parade may have ended, but organisers say its message remains clear: “Do not follow the multitude to do wrong. Dare to be different. Stay chaste.”
Reporting By John Obot