General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, has warned that the future of Nigerian churches is at risk if intentional efforts are not made to include and empower the next generation.

Aboyeji gave the warning, yesterday, during a media briefing held at the church’s national headquarters in Yaba to unveil the programme of activities for the 70th anniversary celebration of the church, scheduled to be held from July 21-27, 2025.

He said that Nigerian churches must urgently reinvent themselves by creating space for young people to thrive in ministry, noting that many pioneer pastors are either aged or no longer active, and without deliberate youth inclusion, churches could die off.

Aboyeji added that the church’s current vision is anchored on a three-pronged approach: outreach, in-reach, and an initiative focused on youth-friendly churches, teens and children ministries, scholarships, and leadership development.

The General Overseer, while speaking on national issues, maintained that it was premature to judge the performance of the current administration midway through its first term.

He stressed that in a developing country like Nigeria, reforms often take time before their impact becomes visible.

He also highlighted the growing challenges faced by churches in several parts of the country, ranging from religious intolerance to attacks by insurgents and herdsmen.

Aboyeji has, however, described the early political campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections as a distraction for the ruling party.

Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the church, Rev. Samson Alawode, said the 70th anniversary celebration would feature events like a colour parade, inter-school competition, colloquium, exhibition, praise night, youth connect, gala and awards night, and a grand finale service on July 27.

He said that all the church chapels at the national headquarters in Yaba would be actively involved in the celebrations, including the youth, children, teens, Yoruba, and Hausa chapels.

“Our goal is not just to look back and celebrate, but to reconnect with past and present members, both in Nigeria and the Diaspora, and recommit ourselves to the mission,” he said.