A call has gone out to Nigerian youths to rise above the distractions of their generation and take their place as builders of a just and progressive nation.

The charge was given by the Rev’d Dr. Kayode Oluwatoyin Paul Owoeye during the Biennial Youth Convention of the Methodist Church Archdiocese of Ifaki, hosted by Kwara Diocese at the Cathedral of Blessing, Taiwo Isale, Ilorin.

Dr. Owoeye described today’s generation as both blessed and endangered, warning that while young people enjoy opportunities in technology, knowledge, and connectivity, they are also confronted with temptations, corruption, and misplaced priorities.

“We are living in a decisive generation — a generation blessed with knowledge, innovation, connectivity, and opportunity, but also faced with temptations, distractions, and corruption at the highest level, even within the church,” he said.

The cleric reminded youths that leadership is not reserved for the future, but a responsibility of today. Drawing examples from Joseph, David, Esther, Timothy, as well as leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Nelson Mandela, he urged them to embrace service in spirituality, technology, creativity, morality, governance, politics, and social responsibility.

“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 stressed.

He further warned that no nation can outgrow the morals of its youth, insisting that “success without character is failure.” On politics, he challenged youths to register to vote, resist manipulation, and aspire to leadership positions. “Politics is simply the organization of society. If we leave it in the wrong hands, we all suffer,” he added.

The Lay President of the Kwara Diocese, Dame Prof. Florence Daramola, expressed concern over rising social vices among young people. She noted that many have abandoned the discipline instilled by parents, leading to drug abuse, cybercrime, and prostitution.

“As an educator, I appeal to our youths to embrace skill acquisition and self-reliance instead of depending solely on government jobs. Parents too must monitor the company their children keep so that they don’t fall victim to money rituals or quick-money syndrome,” she advised.

The Archdiocesan Youth Coordinator, Very Rev. Elijah Ajibola, said the convention was organized to equip young people with the word of God to enable them to stand against societal ills. “Our youths must live the pattern of Jesus Christ so they can be examples to others. Parents must also rise to their duty by guiding and praying for their children,” he said, while urging government not to use young people as political thugs but to create jobs that secure their future.

Youth leaders also shared their vision at the event. Archdiocesan Youth President, Amb. Daniel Atolaye, declared it was time for youths to “arise and serve God more than ever before.” His counterpart from Kwara Diocese, Amb. Tosin Emmanuel Abubakar, added that young people must put God first in all they do. “We must reject ill-gotten wealth and live as true ambassadors of Christ both in the church and the community,” he said.

The convention brought together young Methodists from across the country, renewing their commitment to be agents of transformation in Nigeria.