Youths urged to participate in nation building

By Bianca Iboma -Emefu

Catholic youths in the Archdiocese of Lagos have been challenged to reject passivity, obtain their permanent voter’s cards and actively participate in the 2027 general elections as part of their Christian witness, at the 40th Archdiocesan Youth Day held in Maryland, Lagos.

The call dominated addresses delivered under the theme, “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), as hundreds of young people gathered at Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School for the landmark celebration organised by the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), Archdiocese of Lagos.

Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, delivered the keynote address. He congratulated the youths on the ruby jubilee milestone and acknowledged their contributions to the life of the Archdiocese over the past four decades.

Drawing from Jesus’ words to the disciples before His Passion, the Archbishop linked the gospel message to the realities facing young people today. He noted the pressures of a rapidly changing world, social influences, moral confusion and the pervasive impact of digital culture. Rather than allowing these forces to overwhelm them, he urged the youths to place their trust in Christ, who has already overcome the world.

He encouraged them to allow Christ, not the world, to shape their vision and decisions as they celebrate this significant anniversary of Archdiocesan Youth Day.

Rev. Fr. Otukpe Paulmary, Archdiocesan CYON Chaplain, told the gathering that authentic faith demands more than private devotion. He urged young Catholics to become visible witnesses of the gospel in their homes, schools, campuses, workplaces and parishes, living with integrity and refusing compromise. He specifically called on them to secure their PVCs, vote conscientiously in 2027, and deploy their talents to confront corruption and injustice rather than remain silent observers of national decline.

CYON Lagos President, Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe, reinforced the message. Marking his final Archdiocesan Youth Day as president before handing over, he described the number 40 in Scripture as a symbol of maturity and readiness for a new journey. He linked the theme of courage to the economic pressures, social uncertainty and personal doubts facing Nigerian youth, insisting that Christian courage must be active, not passive. He too pressed the young people to register, collect their voters’ cards and participate fully in the coming elections.

Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Iwu, Dean of Maryland Deanery, welcomed the youths with fatherly pride. He told them he was proud not because they had life figured out, but because they had chosen to answer God’s call in a world that constantly pulls young people away from faith. “You are not only the future of the Church, you are the Church of today,” he said, urging them to invest their energy in skills, reading, prayer and disciplined living so they could become steady lights pointing others to Christ.

The event drew the presence and goodwill of Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, Episcopal Vicar Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fadairo, other priests, religious including the OLA Sisters, and lay leaders. Speakers expressed gratitude to the Maryland Deanery hosting committee, coordinators, volunteers and benefactors who made the 40th anniversary celebration possible.

As the day closed, the consistent message to the young people of Lagos Archdiocese was clear: take courage, stay close to God, shine for Christ and step forward as responsible citizens ready to help rebuild the nation.