On May 2, 1981, Bishop David Oyedepo launched what would become Winners’ Chapel in Ilesha, Nigeria, following a vision to “liberate the world from all oppressions of the devil through the preaching of the Word of faith.”

As the church grew across Nigeria and into other African nations, local youth and campus fellowships formed organically under various names.

Recognizing the need for a unified global youth gathering, Y.A.F. convened its first Annual International Youth Alive Convention in 2001, themed “It’s Our Time”. Since then, IYAC has met annually at the Faith Tabernacle (Ota) and, more recently, in satellite locations like the Faith Dome in Bowie, MD.

By the mid-2000s, Y.A.F. was formally constituted with guidelines from International Headquarters. Local chapters were established in all Living Faith Church stations worldwide, with clear vision, mission and core-value statements (Spirituality; Purpose; Leadership; Service; Responsibility; Integrity; Discipline).

Y.A.F. launched official social-media handles—e.g. @youthaliveglb on X and @youthaliveglobal on Instagram—and began regional conventions (e.g. Europe, North America, Asia) to complement the flagship IYAC.