. Insecurity tops discussions as Abuja teens showcase ideas for better Nigeria

Concerns over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity took centre stage at the Ekklesia by Design 2026 programme, as many participants focused their presentations on kidnapping, violence and the growing fear of insecurity among young people.

Organised by Summit Bible Church, Abuja, the annual programme for teenagers between the ages of 11 and 15 featured the debut of an essay competition, which attracted more than 150 entries across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Although the teens were given the freedom to choose topics of interest, a significant number of them independently chose to address insecurity in their idea pitches and drama performances.

Tagged, ‘Teens’ witty idea for a better Nigeria’, the programme featured various expressions of talent such as dance, drama, spoken word, poetry, music, debates and panel sessions.

At the grand finale held at Summit Bible Church, Abuja, more than N1.4 million was awarded to the seven finalists, while the overall winners in both the junior and senior categories received N200,000 each.

In his remarks, the Founder and Senior Pastor, Summit Bible Church, Dr Andrew Osakwe, applauded the participants for demonstrating creativity, intelligence and patriotism, adding that the church remained committed to providing platforms that encourage young people to think critically and engage constructively with societal issues.

Drawing inspiration from the lives of the Biblical figures Samuel and Prophet Jeremiah, he stated that God places great value on children and young people, often calling them to purpose and leadership from an early age.

Represented by Associate Pastor of the church, Dr Noel Saliu, the cleric explained that both Samuel and Jeremiah were chosen by God in their youth and went on to play significant roles in shaping their societies and delivering divine messages to their generation.

He encouraged the teenagers not to underestimate their abilities or see themselves as too young to make meaningful contributions to the nation and the church. According to him, young people possess fresh ideas, creativity and the courage needed to confront societal challenges, adding that with proper guidance and moral values, they can become agents of positive transformation in Nigeria.

In a chat with The Guardian, the Pastor, Ekklesia Teens Church, Summit Bible Church, Kingsley Bangwell, said the programme was designed to raise a generation of courageous and solution-driven young Nigerians willing to contribute positively to nation building.

Pastor Bangwell noted that the recurring focus on insecurity by many of the participants reflected the reality facing many Nigerian families and communities, stressing that the concerns expressed by the teenagers should not be ignored by leaders at all levels.

He said the initiative would continue to expand in subsequent editions to accommodate more teenagers and deepen conversations around national development, leadership and moral values among young Nigerians.

“I’m asking government to prioritize securing our schools. We cannot afford to allow the attack on the education system, because an attack on the education system is an attack on the children and the future. It is not good for their psyche, their confidence, and the children are asking themselves: what is government doing to stop this, and if you listen to half of the idea pitches today were on insecurity. We didn’t give them any idea. Every child was to choose what they want to present. Half of the teenagers pitching were pitching on insecurity. What does that tell us? It means that the children are no longer feeling secured. The children are uncomfortable”, he said.

Outstanding participants were rewarded with cash prizes in recognition of their creativity, confidence and intellectual contributions during the competition. In the junior category, Sarah Praise emerged overall winner and received N200,000, while Toki Ariyo and Jeremy Jackson were awarded N150,000 each for their impressive performances as first and second runners-up.

In the senior category, Peace Ida clinched the top prize of N200,000 after emerging winner, while Oluwole Godwin and Supreme Onunobi received N150,000 each. Other finalists also received N50,000 each.

Speaking at the event, the overall winners, 13-year-old Praise and 15-year-old Ida, urged fellow teenagers to discover and develop their unique abilities, encouraging them not to allow fear, doubt or difficult circumstances to prevent them from pursuing their dreams and aspirations.

They also called on the governments all levels to invest more in education, youth development and security, stressing that young Nigerians need a safe and supportive environment to fully maximise their potential and contribute meaningfully to national growth.