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The Founder and Lead Pastor of The Transforming Church, Rev. Sam Oye, has urged the Nigerian government to actively listen to the concerns of the nation’s youth.
Speaking at a media event in Abuja on Wednesday, Oye emphasized that the restlessness and aggression exhibited by many young Nigerians stem from a belief that their voices are not being heard after years of repression.
His remarks come ahead of the church’s annual program, ‘The 2024 Global Worship Experience,’ scheduled for November 1. Oye’s call for dialogue is particularly timely, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s recent commitment to convene a 30-day National Youth Conference aimed at addressing the challenges facing young people in Nigeria.
This pledge was made during the President’s televised Independence Day address.
During his speech, Tinubu highlighted that the conference would serve as a vital platform to discuss the diverse issues and opportunities that affect the over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population who are young people.
Rev. Oye reiterated the necessity for the older generation to engage in meaningful conversations with the youth, advocating for a more inclusive governance model that addresses their concerns and aspirations.
He said, “There is nothing wrong with the government being present to listen (at the conference) because I think the younger people have been on the listening side for years. The reason for the aggression and restlessness amongst our young people is that they feel nobody is listening to them.
“The young people in this country have always been on the side of keep quiet and listen to us. You can’t be in the minority making rules and policies for the majority. The time has come for the majority to have a voice in the policy that governs their lives.
“Our young people are not asking to take over Nigeria. The reason for the restlessness and the disrespect we are seeing is because of the repression and the silencing of our young people’s voices. The time has come to take off the leash and allow them to express how would they want Nigeria to be.”
The prominent preacher emphasized the importance of giving young people a platform to be heard. He revealed that this commitment is behind the Church’s new initiative, ‘The Encounter 2024,’ which aims to bring Nigerians together from various tribes and political backgrounds for a shared worship experience.
He also highlighted the vital role faith-based organizations play in uplifting leaders, advocating for support through prayer instead of criticism. This initiative seeks to foster unity and understanding among the nation’s diverse communities.
Oye further urged for a collective focus on divine assistance in light of Nigeria’s current challenges.
“At such a time as this, we must turn our attention to the only person who can help us. This is a night to unite in prayer and trust the Almighty God for His assistance,” he stated, emphasizing the pressing need for divine intervention in the nation.
Continuing, he acknowledged the efforts of government officials, noting, “Our governments are doing the best they can, but it seems it is not enough.”
He underscored the role of faith-based organizations in supporting leaders through prayer rather than criticism. “As a faith-based organization, our assignment is to pray for those in government,” he said, adding, “We will use this time to pray for Nigeria and Nigerians.”
The upcoming “Encounter Worship Experience” aims to foster unity among citizens across political and ethnic divides.
“This is a night where we come together as one people, one nation, under one God,” Pastor Oye explained. He shared that past gatherings have resulted in remarkable transformations, stating, “In this vibrant atmosphere, we have recorded situations where the sick have been healed and individuals facing mental health challenges have found wholeness.”
He expressed optimism that the event would be a transformative moment for the nation. “We believe this encounter will bring Nigerians together because together we can achieve greater things,” he said.
