From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Reverend Kayode Owoeye, has charged Nigerian youths to rise above distractions and take responsibility for shaping the nation’s future with integrity and service.
Speaking at the Biennial Youth Convention of the Archdiocese of Ifaki, hosted by the Kwara Diocese at the Cathedral of Blessing, Taiwo Isale, Ilorin, Owoeye described today’s generation as “blessed but endangered.”
“We are living in a decisive generation, blessed with knowledge, innovation, and opportunities, yet endangered by corruption, distractions, and temptations, even within the church,” he declared.
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He urged young Nigerians not to limit themselves to the popular saying of being “leaders of tomorrow” but to see themselves as the strength and vision of today.
Drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Joseph, David, Esther, and Timothy, as well as African leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Nelson Mandela, Owoeye, said history proves that young people can drive transformation.
The cleric highlighted seven areas where youths must rise to service: spirituality, technology, creativity, morality, governance, politics, and social responsibility. On technology, he cautioned: “A youth who ignores technology risks irrelevance. A youth who abuses it wastes destiny. But a youth who masters it becomes a tool of service and impact.”
He further warned that success without character would only amount to failure, insisting that “no nation can rise higher than the morals of its youth.” On politics, he challenged youths to register, vote, resist manipulation, and aspire for leadership roles, stressing that “if we leave politics in the wrong hands, we all suffer.”
Concluding his address, Owoeye rallied the youths: “We are not just leaders of tomorrow—we are leaders of today. The world is waiting for our ideas, the nation is waiting for our courage. The time to arise is not tomorrow—it is now.”
The convention, which gathered youths across the Methodist Church Nigeria, also featured admonitions from other church leaders.
Dame Prof. Florence Daramola, Lay President of the Diocese of Kwara, expressed concern over the growing moral decline among Nigerian youths, citing drug abuse, internet fraud, and prostitution as major social vices.
She encouraged them to focus on education, skill acquisition, and self-reliance instead of chasing quick money. “Even as graduates, youths should learn skills to be self-reliant. Parents must also guide their children and monitor the company they keep,” she advised.
The Very Rev. Elijah Ajibola, Archdiocesan Youth Coordinator, emphasised spiritual growth as the foundation for facing life’s challenges. “Our youths must rise against the evils in society and live by the example of Jesus Christ. Parents must also catch them young by praying, guiding, and supporting them,” he said. He also appealed to government at all levels to provide jobs for graduates and stop the use of youths as political thugs.
Archdiocesan Youth President, Amb. Daniel Atolaye, expressed gratitude for the convention, describing it as a call for youths to serve God with renewed dedication.
On his part, Amb. Tosin Abubakar, Youth President of the Diocese of Kwara, urged young people to remain faithful ambassadors of Christ both within and outside the church. “Ill-gotten wealth is dangerous. We must make God first in everything and prove ourselves trustworthy for the responsibilities entrusted to us,” he said.
The gathering ended with a collective charge to Nigerian youths to become agents of positive change in the church, society, and the nation at large.
