Abuja: Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church, has emphasized the importance of Nigerian youths creating opportunities for themselves to break free from poverty by unlocking their inherent talents and potential. Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the Methodist Campus Fellowship’s 16th Biennial National Convention 2025, themed ‘The Mandate’, the Archbishop encouraged youths to take initiative and focus on self-empowerment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Archbishop highlighted the necessity for young individuals to explore their potential to become better citizens. He urged them to be patriotic, honest, and dedicated, ensuring that such qualities would lead them to glorify the name of the Lord. Additionally, he called on the government to provide an enabling environment for youths to develop and thrive.
The Archbishop further stressed the importance of rejecting mediocrity and instead focusing on skill development as a means to drive national progress. He emphasized that youths hold a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s future and advised them to embrace righteousness and self-discovery, fulfilling their divine mandate to spread the Gospel.
In support of this message, Justice Walter Onnoghen, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria and keynote speaker at the convention, described the theme as a wake-up call for youths to make a significant impact in their generation. Onnoghen emphasized that youths are the key to their destiny and should adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to transform the Nigerian economy.
Onnoghen also pointed out the paradox of Nigeria’s situation-richly endowed with resources yet burdened by poverty and other societal issues. He encouraged youths to become agents of moral revival, highlighting that without moral rejuvenation, economic development would remain elusive. He urged them to develop character rooted in honesty, diligence, empathy, courage, and righteousness.
Mr. Abasiodiong Otuk, National President of the Methodist Campus Fellowship, expressed optimism that the convention would leave a lasting impact on young individuals, inspiring them to be bold and proactive in their pursuits.