02/09/2025
RELIGION AND POVERTY (youths in focus)
The Misplacement of Energy in Nigeria
Religion is a powerful force in Nigeria, shaping values, culture, and even politics. Among its strongest adherents are the youths, who constitute the most vibrant and productive segment of the population. Unfortunately, in many cases, the energy, creativity, and passion of young people are consumed almost entirely by religious activities, leaving little room for personal development, responsibility, and preparation for the realities of adulthood.
In churches across Nigeria, it is not uncommon to find young men and women spending most of their days in endless programs,vigils, crusades, choir rehearsals, ushering duties, prayer meetings, and evangelism. While these activities can nurture discipline and spirituality, they also risk becoming exploitative when they prevent youths from acquiring skills, building careers, or laying foundations for financial independence. The danger is that many of these young people wake up in middle age with nothing to fall back on no career, no savings, no assets yet the church that absorbed their youthful energy offers little or no support in return.
This creates what may be called the "old age drama"a generation of once-zealous youths who, after years of service in religious institutions, face poverty, neglect, and frustration in their later years. The church, which should act as a moral guide and social safety net, has in many cases failed to establish effective support systems for its members. Unlike some global faith-based organizations that run scholarship schemes, vocational training, business mentorship, and retirement support, many Nigerian churches are primarily focused on the expansion of their buildings, media empires, and leadership structures. The result is a cycle of disillusionment where aging members feel betrayed by the very institutions they gave their lives to.
The Bible itself teaches the importance of balance: “Six days shall you labor, and do all your work” (Exodus 20:9). Apostle Paul also emphasized that “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Yet, in practice, many churches encourage an unproductive form of spirituality that substitutes endless prayer and church service for diligence, creativity, and innovation. This imbalance undermines the very socio-economic growth that religion should inspire.
Nigeria’s youths need to rethink the use of their productive years. Religion should inspire responsibility, not replace it. Churches must also rise to their moral responsibility by creating sustainable programs that empower young people beyond spiritual rhetoric. Vocational training centers, mentorship platforms, small business funds, career support, and retirement schemes should be integrated into church life. By doing so, the church will not only secure the loyalty of its members but also ensure that religion remains a source of holistic growth.
In conclusion, the relationship between religion and youth in Nigeria must be redefined. Youths should embrace faith without neglecting their responsibility to themselves, their families, and the society. Churches, on the other hand, must move beyond emotional spirituality to build structures that protect the future of those who sacrifice their prime years in service. True religion should empower both the soul and the body, guiding young people not just to heaven, but also towards a meaningful life on earth.
Amb.Elvis Ogbonna
