Anglican Primate Urges Youth Engagement, Food Security

In a resounding call for youth empowerment and greater engagement in politics, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has commended the recent announcement by President Bola Tinubu for a national youth conference.

Ndukuba made this known during the opening session of the 25th Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild Annual Conference in Abuja, with the theme: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

The archbishop emphasised the critical need to address youth-related issues, stating that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its young population, which constitutes over 60 percent of the country’s demographic.

Ndukuba while speaking to journalists asserted that engaging the youth is not merely a choice but a necessity to avert potential unrest.

“Without addressing the issue of the youth-empowerment, education, their future, and involvement in leadership—we will be sitting on a time bomb,” he said, cautioning against neglecting this vital segment of society.

He elaborated on the historical significance of youth involvement in Nigeria’s independence struggle. “Those who fought for the independence of Nigeria were primarily young people in their thirties,” he noted.

He said that with leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo in their early years, the call to action for current political elites is clear, “We urge the older generation to intentionally create space for younger leaders,” he stressed.

Ndukuba’s also called on religious organisations, both Christian and Muslim to collaborate effectively in supporting Nigeria’s youth.

“We need to ensure that we stand with the youth and make certain they are given the opportunity to showcase their potential. They can speak to their own generation,” he reiterated.

While he acknowledged the pervasive influence of money in Nigerian politics, he remained hopeful that with proper support and guidance, the youth could rise to the occasion.

The annual conference addressed pressing issues surrounding food security and economic stability in Nigeria.

The President of the Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild and Girls Organisations of the Diocese of Abuja, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, highlighted the impact of prolonged insecurity on agriculture.

She said that as terrorism, banditry, and various forms of violence continue to plague the nation, the agricultural sector has been severely affected, leading to rampant food inflation.

“The long period of insecurity has not only fostered an environment of fear but has made it increasingly dangerous for farmers to cultivate their land.

“Most people are terrified to go to their farms, and countless crops are being uprooted or destroyed. This situation has exacerbated the food crisis, significantly affecting people across the nation,” she said.

She also underscored the crucial role that women must play in food production, urging them to engage in farming, even within urban settings.

“Food production should not solely be left to rural dwellers. Both urban and suburban Nigerians must contribute to national food security.

“We appeal to the government to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens. All hands should be on deck to overcome the food shortage,” she urged.

She also commended recent efforts to implement a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 announced by the Federal Government, however, they expressed concerns that if the costs of living, specifically food prices, transportation, and electricity, continues to soar, the new wage would amount to little more than a “drop of water in a drum.”

“It is commendable, but it does little to ease the suffering of ordinary Nigerians facing inflated prices for essentials,” she said.