The crisis facing young people in Nigeria, particularly in the Southeast, has reached alarming levels. Drug abuse, cultism, fraud, and moral decay are no longer isolated problems but a widespread reality threatening the future of our society. Many Catholic youths are not immune to these influences, and if the Church fails to act decisively, we risk losing an entire generation to destructive lifestyles.
The Church must recognize this as an emergency. Traditional approaches to youth apostolate are no longer sufficient in the face of rapidly changing societal pressures. The Church must go beyond routine programs and take bold steps to reclaim, reorient, and empower young people. Faith formation needs to be strengthened, not just through catechesis but through dynamic and engaging platforms that speak to today’s youth. The fight against drug abuse and crime must become an active mission, with rehabilitation initiatives and community support systems for those already trapped in these vices. Economic frustration is a key driver of youth delinquency, and the Church must be at the forefront of providing skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship programs that give young people a reason to hope.
Catholic youth organizations must be revitalized with a clear purpose beyond social gatherings. Leadership formation, moral resilience, and a deep sense of mission should define every youth structure in the Church. At the same time, families and Catholic schools must reinforce these efforts, instilling discipline, faith, and responsibility from an early age.
This is a moment that demands action. The Church must not only be a place of prayer but a force for transformation. A generation is at stake, and the time to act is now. If we do nothing, the future of the Church in this region will be compromised. But if we rise to the occasion, we will build a new generation of Catholic youth who are strong in faith, grounded in values, and prepared to shape a better society. The choice is ours to make.
