Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, has emphasised the need for Christian youths to be developed, saying they are transformative leaders in whose hands lie the change that Nigeria needs.

Ayinde disclosed this, last Saturday, during the 2nd Pastor SGO Uyeh Lecture held at The Apostolic Church Nigeria LAWMNA Event Centre, Lagos.

Speaking on the topic, “The Place And Impacts Of Christian Youths In National Transformation And Development,” the guest speaker observed that youths intervention in a nation leads to national revival, innovations, mindset change, release of new energy and inspiration.

Ayinde, who said that Christian youths are integral part of national transformation, urged them to reject the narrative of being leaders of tomorrow, adding that they should see themselves as leaders of today in preparation for tomorrow’s call to duty.

Arguing that Christian youths are divine reservoir of potential and catalysts of transformation, he noted that their intervention in national development is key to growth and sustainability.

According to him, Christian youths can stimulate national revival, drive innovation, unleash new energy, and effect measurable changes both in policies and societal values.

Suggesting ways through which youths’ potential could be harnessed, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development recommended understanding the need for preparation; raising leadership awareness and going in search of leaders; establishing rigorous leadership training programmes; testing the products and releasing the products to the world.

“The cultivation of transformational leaders is not merely about identifying talent; it is an exercise in strategic timing. Leadership itself is a function of seizing the right moment. To delay the intentional development of youths is to misalign this critical timing, guaranteeing that the harvest of national transformation will never be realised, ” Ayinde added.

In same vein, National President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Pastor Lawrence Oladele urged Christian youths to have the right relationship with God, adding that they are essential assets to any nation, and urged society to feed and love them.

In his welcome remarks, committee chairman, Pastor Emmanuel Olowoyeye disclosed that the lecture was held in honour of Dr. Senior Gabriel Uyeh, the incumbent LAWMNA Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church Nigeria.He described Uyeh as a man of spiritual depth and outstanding leadership impact.