The Methodist Church, Nigeria has made a powerful call for increased support for youth entrepreneurship as a solution to Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. In a compelling communiqué issued after their 41st Council of Bishops meeting, the leaders of the Methodist Church laid out a vision for a more supportive environment for young entrepreneurs. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from their message and explore why this call to action is crucial for the future of Nigeria’s youth.
The Methodist Bishops’ Call for Youth Empowerment
At the heart of the recent Council of Bishops meeting was the theme “Arise and Build.” This theme encapsulates the urgent need for both action and hope in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. The Bishops’ call to action is focused on youth empowerment through entrepreneurship as a critical solution to the nation’s problems.
Key Points from the Methodist Bishops’ Communiqué
Here’s a summary of the main messages from the Methodist Bishops and why they are so significant:
- Support for Youth Entrepreneurship: The Bishops have urged government bodies, philanthropists, corporate organisations, and the wider society to support young people in starting and growing their own businesses.
- Addressing Unemployment: They highlight that entrepreneurship is a key avenue to address the high unemployment rates in Nigeria. By creating opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful work, we can combat the negative impacts of unemployment.
“The Council acknowledges the vital role of youth in society and urges them to harness their talents and abilities for positive impact,” said His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria.
Why Youth Entrepreneurship Matters for Nigeria’s Future
Youth entrepreneurship is more than just a buzzword. It’s a practical strategy for economic growth and societal improvement. Here’s why focusing on young entrepreneurs is so crucial:
- Job Creation: Entrepreneurs create new jobs, which is essential for reducing unemployment.
- Economic Growth: By fostering new businesses, we stimulate the economy and encourage innovation.
- Social Development: Successful entrepreneurs contribute to societal progress and inspire others to follow suit.
By supporting youth entrepreneurship, we’re not just addressing immediate economic issues but also investing in the long-term health of the nation.
Combating the ‘Japa Syndrome’
One of the main issues highlighted by the Bishops is the ‘Japa Syndrome’—the trend of Nigerian youths seeking opportunities abroad. The Council argues that this phenomenon can be mitigated by creating a more promising environment within Nigeria. Here’s how they propose to tackle it:
- Creating Opportunities: Building a robust ecosystem for young entrepreneurs to succeed.
- Building a Sense of Belonging: Ensuring that young people see a future for themselves in Nigeria.
- Improving Conditions: Implementing reforms that offer young people reasons to stay and contribute to the nation.
“The Council is concerned about the rising cases of teenage pregnancy, cultism, fraud, and other criminal activities among youth,” said the Bishops. “These issues are symptomatic of deeper problems that must be addressed through comprehensive reforms.”
Addressing Broader Social Issues
The Bishops’ communiqué also touches on broader social issues affecting Nigerian youth:
- Teenage Pregnancy: Prevention and support are necessary to address the challenges faced by young parents.
- Cultism and Fraud: There’s a call for better education and awareness to prevent young people from falling into these traps.
- Domestic Violence: The Bishops urge families to speak out against toxic relationships and support efforts to amend the constitution to protect women.
These issues are interconnected with unemployment and economic instability, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to youth development.
The Role of Government and Society
The Bishops are calling on government and society to come together to support youth initiatives:
- Government Initiatives: The government should introduce policies and programmes that facilitate entrepreneurship and create jobs.
- Societal Support: Philanthropies and corporate organisations should invest in youth programmes and provide the necessary resources for success.
“The Council expresses alarm at the high rate of unemployment among young people,” said Dr Ali Aba. “We urge governments and parents to take responsibility for empowering their children.”
How to Support Youth Entrepreneurship: Practical Steps
If you’re wondering how you can contribute to this cause, here are some actionable steps:
- Invest in Startups: Consider supporting young entrepreneurs through investments or mentorship.
- Create Opportunities: Offer internships, job placements, and training programmes for young people.
- Advocate for Change: Push for policies that support entrepreneurship and address unemployment.
The Call to “Arise and Build”
The Bishops’ theme for this year’s Council, “Arise and Build,” is a call to action for everyone:
- Rise Above Challenges: Face the current economic and social challenges with courage and faith.
- Work Together: Collaborate to build a nation where justice, peace, and righteousness prevail.
The Bishops encourage us to follow the example of Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with vision and perseverance.
The Federal Government’s Role
The Bishops also commend President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for their efforts but urge them to continue focusing on policies that impact grassroots citizens. Visionary leadership is needed to ensure that economic policies benefit the nation as a whole.
“We call on the National Orientation Agency and other organisations to play a significant role in creating an environment that encourages citizens to stay and contribute their skills to national development,” the communiqué stated.
Conclusion: A Vision for Nigeria’s Future
The Methodist Bishops have set forth a compelling vision for addressing Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis. By supporting youth entrepreneurship, advocating for broad societal reforms, and fostering a sense of belonging for young people, we can work towards a more prosperous and just Nigeria.
Summary:
- Youth Empowerment: Supporting young entrepreneurs is crucial for tackling unemployment.
- Combating ‘Japa Syndrome’: Create opportunities and a hopeful future for young Nigerians.
- Broader Issues: Address issues like domestic violence and criminal activities through collaborative efforts.
- Call to Action: “Arise and Build”—work together for a better future.
Take Action:
- Invest in Youth: Support young entrepreneurs through investments and mentorship.
- Advocate for Policies: Push for reforms that promote entrepreneurship and address unemployment.
- Support Initiatives: Engage with organisations working to improve the future for Nigerian youths.
Photo credit: PUNCH
