Rt Rev’d Oluwole Onaleke, the Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria Diocese of Agodi, has called on the Oyo State government to take deliberate actions in addressing moral decadence among the youth, while further strengthening efforts in youth empowerment and development. His call came during his presidential address at the 29th Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Agodi, held in Olodo, Ibadan.
While acknowledging the Oyo State government’s significant strides in youth engagement, particularly through the employment of over 23,000 youths in various sectors, Bishop Onaleke urged the government to do more in combating moral challenges among young people. He emphasized that while the drive for wealth is common among today’s youth, it should not be seen as the ultimate purpose of life.
“The drive to achieve wealth should not be the ultimate purpose in life. Instead, our youth should focus on building meaningful, well-rounded lives that go beyond material success,” he stated. He encouraged the government to focus not just on economic empowerment but also on instilling values such as integrity, compassion, and resilience, which will ultimately contribute to the overall development of society.
Bishop Onaleke praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its commitment to youth empowerment, particularly its role in creating employment opportunities and providing training for thousands of young people across the state. However, he pointed out that alongside these efforts, there must be a conscious effort to nurture values that will shape youths into responsible citizens who can excel both locally and globally.
The Bishop further stressed the need for a holistic approach to youth development that balances economic opportunities with moral and spiritual guidance. He warned that without this balance, young people may fall victim to complacency and short-sighted goals, leading to detrimental outcomes in the future.
Bishop Onaleke also reflected on the 2025 Synod theme, “He will rise again,” inspired by John 11:23, and expressed optimism that the church, despite its current challenges, will regain its prominence and influence. He called on the church to rekindle its mission and reaffirm its role as a guiding force for both spiritual and social transformation in the community.
“We must rise again, as individuals and as a church, walking forward in faith,” the Bishop said, urging attendees to embrace their collective mission as the body of Christ and to work towards a better, more meaningful future for the next generation.
