Catholic Official in Nigeria Challenges Youths to Resist Materialism, Be “agents of transformation”

Abuja, 12 November, 2025 / 11:45 AM

The National President of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) has called on young Nigerians to rediscover their faith, embrace hope, and shun materialism as the Church leads them toward a renewed encounter with God.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of his visit to the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Gozife Kizito Eze urged youths in the West African nation not to give in to despair despite all the socio-economic challenges that are confronting them.

“We must not give in to despair. Nigeria’s problems may be many, but with faith in God and commitment to hard work, the youth can be the agents of transformation that our country needs,” Mr. Eze said.

He added, “Faith is not just about prayer but also about action. When we live out our faith, we become the light that dispels the darkness of hopelessness and fear.”

“Many young people live in illusion. They are afraid to speak or participate. They struggle to embrace Christ and witness to evangelization. Beyond this, societal influences and peer pressure affect them deeply,” the CYON National President said.

He underscored the importance of listening as a way of resolving youth challenges, saying, “When we listen and discern properly, guided by the Holy Spirit, we can have a conversion of heart and find real solutions.”

The Catholic Youth official also called on Church leaders to engage more directly with young people. 

Mr. Eze said, “Some youths feel the Church does not care about them,” he noted. “I always tell the Bishops’ conference to organize engagements such as ‘A Day with the Bishop’, where young people can freely express their concerns. When they are not heard, they feel detached, restless, and disconnected from the Church.”

As a Catholic youth leader in Nigeria, Mr. Eze urged his peers to embrace the Church’s teachings and resist distractions.

“Christ is alive, and he wants you to be alive. Enrich yourself with the social and moral teachings of the Church. Do not give up,” he said.

He also warned against the rising trend of ritual practices and the “quick money” mentality among some youths, especially in southern Nigeria. 

“Life is a continuous process. God has called us to experience him even when we do not have everything we desire. Paganism and ritual killings do not reflect true Christian faith. We are ambassadors of Christ and must live like him,” the CYON National President said.

“Be a true Christian through prayer, faith, and mission. All these are what make you Christ-like,” Mr. Eze.

Reflecting on the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, the CYON National President said the body has implemented several programs to renew faith among young people across the Dioceses in Nigeria. 

“The Church has various programs in the local Dioceses where young people prepare for the Jubilee. Earlier this year, many Nigerian youths participated in the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, where they experienced renewal and closeness with Christ,” he said. 

Mr Eze continued, “We make young people feel the message of hope that Christ is alive. If they hold on to this hope, they can overcome the feeling of hopelessness caused by hardship in Nigeria.”