You need skills, dedication to excel, Ndukuba, Akinola, others tell youths

An empowerment and discipleship conference, tagged: ‘Joshua Generation International Conference (JGIC)’ was organised by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) from April 5 to 10, 2021. The Conference, which held at the stadium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, recorded over 21,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

Welcoming participants, the Coordinator and Bishop of Nsukka, the Rt. Rev. Aloysius Agbo, said the conference was birthed by Primate Ndukuba’s passion. Ndukuba had declared an emergency on youths and constituted a task force, which mobilised all youth organisations and groups and eventually set in motion organisation of the conference.

The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, the Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma also joined in welcoming participants. He urged youths to imbibe entrepreneurial spirit and Leah Sharibu’s type of courage, as she refused to change her religion despite oppression.

In his opening address, the Primate of All Nigeria and Convener of the conference, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba said the Joshua Generation is the generation that would change the narrative of the family, church and nation to be in line with God’s purpose. He said as the Biblical Joshua held the miraculous word of God and power of God, when the adult Israelites were weighed down with the pains of slavery and slave mentality, the youths should also hold to the word and power of God and refuse to be discouraged or resign to despondency. He urged them to be kingdom-focused and ready to obey God in a very radical way to make the difference and be the change and change agent in our time.

He challenged them to pervade and dominate the seven mountains of influence in the society, such as religion, family, education, governance, media/entertainment, arts and economy.

A former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev. Peter Akinola, who also addressed the Conference via Zoom, expressed concern that many youths are dependent on their parents and unrealised dreams, are unemployed and moneyless. He enjoined them to be industrious and endeavour to acquire skills, which will accord them space and voice in the society.

(Chidiegwu Temple Ireoba is a participant of the JGIC from St. Peter’s Chapel, Ibru Centre, Agbarha-otor, Delta State)