The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, has called on Nigerian youths to take advantage of available opportunities to prepare and position themselves for leadership and greater responsibilities in the future.

Aboyeji also urged leaders across various sectors to deliberately create space for young people, noting that mentoring and empowering them remain critical to securing the nation’s future.

He made the call yesterday during a media parley where he announced the fifth edition of “Switch,” a youth-focused programme designed to equip young people in three key areas of life – marriage, ministry and the marketplace.

The programme, themed “Graced Pacesetters,” is scheduled to hold on May 2, 2026, at the national headquarters of the church located at Akinwunmi Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, starting at 9:00 a.m.

According to Aboyeji, genuine nation-building depends largely on the ability of a society to properly prepare its youth for the future through mentorship, character development and exposure to relevant knowledge that will make them impactful in their various spheres of influence.

He expressed concern over what he described as rising cases of moral decadence and infidelity among young people, stressing the need for deliberate interventions that will help redirect their focus toward purposeful living and responsible leadership.

Aboyeji explained that the Switch initiative was designed as an interdenominational and youth-driven platform aimed at mentoring the upcoming generation and equipping them with practical insights required to navigate life successfully.

“Switch is an interdenominational, young people-driven yet broad and inclusive event powered by the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. It is aimed at mentoring the upcoming generation of youth in three critical areas of life – marriage, ministry and the marketplace – which are essential ingredients for national transformation and the sustenance of excellence, integrity and godliness,” he said.

Quoting former United States President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Aboyeji noted that although society may not always be able to build the future for its youth, it can intentionally build the youth for the future.

He described a pacesetter as someone who leads from the front by establishing new standards and inspiring others through exemplary conduct and innovation.

“The element of grace in the theme shows that being a pacesetter shifts the narrative from mere human effort to something more supernatural and divine. Our desire is that every participant will receive help from above to excel and become pacesetters in their various endeavours,” he added.

The event will feature notable speakers including Yemi Davids, Lead Pastor of Global Impact Church and Lagos State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, as well as Kola Adesina, Board Chairman of Ikeja Electric and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group.

Aboyeji and his wife, Rev. (Dr.) Olabisi Aboyeji, will host the conference, which is expected to draw youths from different denominations and professional backgrounds across the country.