The immediate past National President of the African Church Youth Association (ACYA), Evang. Evans Sunday has called on Nigerian youths to focus on self-reliance rather than overdependence on government employment.

Addressing a press conference during the 4th Biennial and 34th Annual National Youth Conference of the association held at the African Church Cathedral Bethel in Abuja, the former National President encouraged young people to identify and develop their talents, particularly in entrepreneurship and agriculture.

He said, “If we all wait for the government, nothing will happen. Youths must look inward, build their skills, and create opportunities not just for themselves but for others”.

Sunday also urged young Nigerians to actively prepare for leadership roles, noting that meaningful political participation requires capacity building and financial readiness.

“Youths must show readiness to lead by developing themselves. Leadership is not taken by force but by preparation and demonstrated capacity,” he said.

The youth leader also urged youths of the African Church to embrace spiritual growth, entrepreneurship, and grassroots engagement as key drivers for the church’s expansion and national development.

He said the annual conference went beyond discussions to include prayers, meditation, and teachings aimed at holistic development.

According to him, the conference provided a platform for young members to evaluate past efforts, share ideas, and develop strategies for strengthening the church’s future.

The clergy  emphasized the role of youths in driving the church’s mission, describing them as the most active and capable demographic for outreach and expansion. He noted that beyond conferences, the church organizes annual conventions used as platforms for church planting and community impact.

“As part of our outreach, we engage in projects such as medical missions and empowerment programmes, benefiting both church members and the wider community,” he said.

The conference concluded with elections of new national officers to run the affairs of the association.

Oluwaseun Samuel Oyeyipo (Abuja Province) emerged as the National President, Godson David (Uyo Province) as Deputy National President and Adeola Adekanmbi of Lagos Province as the General Secretary of the association, among others.