The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has called on Nigerian youths not to lose hope in the leadership of the country despite the prevailing challenges confronting the nation.
Ndukuba made this appeal on Tuesday while addressing a crowd of youths at the 5th edition of the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference (JGIYC), with the theme “Ambassadors for Christ,” held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
He advised the youths that in the face of the numerous challenges confronting Nigerians, they must rise up and engage with these issues spiritually, socially, economically, and politically.
“We are not blind to the challenges facing the youth today. In Nigeria, many young people are weighed down by unemployment, insecurity, corruption, and moral decay. Within the Church and society, discouragement is widespread, and many complain and lose heart.
“But like Joshua and Caleb, you are called not to lose hope. Instead, you must rise up and engage the challenges spiritually, socially, economically, and politically.
“You must reach out to fellow youths, extending the hand of reconciliation, hope, and courage. You are the hope of the Church and the nation. Stand strong in your convictions. Uphold righteousness in the midst of corruption. Defend truth when it is unpopular.
“Reject the vices that entangle your generation. You must keep hope alive, believing that with God, all things are possible. The Joshua Generation is more than a conference; it is a movement aimed at empowering the next generation for destiny,” he stated.
The primate expressed his desire that the young people would not be discouraged, depressed, or weary due to the struggles they face in the country, but instead would arise in times like these.
“The light shines brighter in darkness. God proves His power in our times of weakness. We trust that for families represented here, for congregations, and for states, individuals will stand in the gap,” he said.
“As God said through His servant the prophet Ezekiel, He was looking for a man who would stand in the gap so that He would not destroy the people out of anger. Much blood has been shed in our nation. Bitterness is rampant, and we are more divided along tribal, religious, and other lines than ever before.
“We have reached a point where, when someone speaks, you do not see a person but rather their tribe and group identity. Some are so embittered that they have turned against their own people,” he lamented.
