The Youth Fellowship of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has urged young people to embrace personal development and contribute actively to nation-building.

The call was made at the fellowship’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday in Surulere, Lagos.

The AGM with the theme, “Arise and Build: Youth at the Forefront of Change,” was drawn from Nehemiah 2:18 and focused on the role of young people in rebuilding institutions and transforming society.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Youth Fellowship, Moses Ajose, identified declining moral values, spiritual complacency, unemployment, leadership gaps and social instability as major challenges confronting youths.

Mr Ajose urged young people not to be discouraged by the challenges but to see them as opportunities to become agents of positive change.

He said youths were called to influence their environment and strengthen society, noting that leadership was about impact rather than occupying positions.

He stated that the gathering was designed to inspire youths to build themselves first, as personal growth remains the foundation for meaningful societal development.

Speaking on insecurity, Mr Ajose acknowledged government efforts to address the challenge and expressed confidence that sustained commitment and divine intervention would help restore peace in the country.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting initiatives that promote security and national unity, while encouraging youths to embrace continuous self-development and capacity building.

“Growth is a gradual process that requires consistency and dedication. Our youths must be nation-builders,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the church, Segun Adio, commended the fellowship’s youth programmes, describing them as platforms that promote unity, leadership development and healthy interaction among young people.

The guest speaker, Segun Adewunmi, urged youths to rise above negative influences and become builders of society.

Mr Adewunmi expressed confidence that through faith, unity and commitment to shared values, both the church and Nigeria would achieve lasting progress and transformation.

“The youth are the architects of tomorrow. They should rise and become a formidable force for positive change in the church and the country at large,” he said.

In his remarks, a member of the fellowship, Seyi Alawuh, urged participants to focus on implementing lessons from the AGM rather than limiting themselves to discussions.

Mr Alawuh said effective leadership begins with personal growth and grassroots development, encouraging those seeking change to participate actively in governance and community development.

“Lasting transformation is best achieved from within through active participation and commitment,” he said.

Also, a participant, Deborah Shobukola said the AGM was organised to foster unity among constituent churches and urged participants to remain committed to the growth of both the church and the nation. 

(NAN)