Background

Until Nehemiah heard the news about the problem at Palestine, his country home, he was not moved with passion to make a difference. Information has a way of affecting our mindset on issues. Information is the bedrock for a passionate work.

Sometime ago, to be precise, July 1986, I was informed about the neglect and plight of young people. This information changed my perspective and fired into me a resolve to be an advocate for youth well being. Little did I know that God was actually orchestrating my part into a full time work among young people of the world.

From 1986 to 1995, I was practically involved in raising and empowering youths in my local church, Winners Chapel, Lagos, Nigeria, as a youth minister. God used me to impact so many of them and their families, and by extension, the society.

In 1994, I started sensing in my spirit, a call of God for a full time work, having caught a glimpse of the future of our successor-generation. I caught a vision of a youth who is trained and equipped in the things of God. I caught a glimpse of the future with a cream of well-cultured and God-fearing leaders. I caught a vision that someday our world will be a better place via a well-groomed successor-generation.

God cannot do anything worthwhile without our collaboration. Each time God wants to do a job, He looks for a man whose heart is connected to His heart. He looks for the available. Thank God, I made myself available. (Isaiah 6:8) After several months of prayer and word preparation, my wife and I were officially commissioned on the 30th December 1995 into full time ministry. Exactly one month after the commissioning i.e. 30th January 1996, YDI took off as a full fledge Independent Christian Youth Ministry. My mentor and father in ministry, Bishop David Oyedepo was on hand to open the doors of YDI to young people.

YDI is a centre ordained by God to shape and re-orientate the generation next; not only in Nigeria (Africa) but also in the world as a whole. It's a place of discovery and the re-discovery of great destinies. YDI is a place where youths are constantly trained and equipped to serve God and humanity.

Whenever I look at the impact of YDI in the lives of young people, I say to myself, "thank God I answered the call". It gives me great joy and hope that through YDI efforts our nation or continent is not beyond redemption. It's simply wonderful to be a setman for this colourful and impactful ministry. I am grateful to God.

Who We Are

We are a foremost Christian youth ministry in Nigeria committed to the discipleship, development, and total well being of the young people.

YDI as an independent, non-denominational Christian organization is a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission with the registration number RC - 10585.

Our Mission

"To groom highly informed, responsible, impact-making, and God fearing youths that will be relevant to God and humanity."

• Christlike in conduct and character.
• Spiritual maturity.
• Covenant of purity (Public declaration to embrace abstinence).
• Social relevance.
• Skill development.
• Service to God and humanity.
• Academic/professional excellence.

Leadership

Young Disciples International (YDI) is coordinated by the President/Founder, Pastor Joe-Jesimiel Ogbe and his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Hettie Ogbe and other youth ministers, who are laden with the responsibility of planning, executing, and representing the ministry's interests and programmes.

Young Disciples International (YDI) is also governed by a body of trustees headed by Dr. Bode Olajumoke.