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By Bimbola Oyesola
As Nigerian youths continue to leave the country in droves in search of greener pastures, Nigerian leaders have been advised to urgently tackle the twin challenge of unemployment and poverty in the country.
Addressing media at a briefing for the 2023 World Rhema Convention holding Sunday November 5 – 12, 2023, the Presiding Bishop of the church, Bishop Taiwo Akinola noted that the disenchantment of the youths with the system has further intensified their efforts to seek for alternatives.
“In recent times, out of disenchantment with the system, with sadness, the best of our youths are fleeing the country in droves, via the Japa syndrome, in search of greener pastures,” he said.
He expressed that the future of Nigeria lies with the youths as they are one of society’s main agents of change and progress.
“But, sadly, the ruling class in Nigeria rather toys with the future of our youths, through lack of employment opportunities and failure to explore the possibility of channeling their energy towards productive ventures by providing enabling environment for them to thrive in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Agro-business, etc.,” he lamented.
He however emphasized, “very urgently, concrete efforts must be exerted to tackle the twin challenge of unemployment and poverty in our beloved nation, Nigeria.”
The clergy said the church is aware that the present central administration has set new precedence by appointing a few youths into the Federal cabinet.
“It is our hope that government at all levels will do the same, and that the youths also will show that they believe in the future of Nigeria through their words and deeds” he stated.
Akinola equally charged Governments at all levels to urgently restructure the economic system, develop sincere courage to fight corruption, and address the issue of unemployment in the better interests of employable youths and a more beautiful future for the country at large.
He condemned the abuse of drugs amongst Nigerians which he said
the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) has disclosed that over 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug abuse.
He said, “We like to bring to the attention of the Federal Government the need for urgent and concerted efforts to curb the rampart abuse of hard drugs amongst Nigerians. This has become the major support system for all forms of criminal and cult activities.
“Sadly, this menace has infiltrated even to our primary schools, with young boys and girls hooked on gum and other forms of narcotics. As we look up to God to break the demonic hold over the future of this great nation, we implore all people of influence to fight it with all passion.”
He called on government to make rehabilitation of addicts a strong part of the drug control machinery, saying “We look forward to future better than this for posterity.”
