By Philomina Attah
The Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES), has calls on the Federal Government to prioritise youth empowerment as a strategic solution to the nation’s socio-economic and moral challenges.
The National Director of NIFES, Mr Rex Onuh, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a media briefing to herald the 2025 NIFES National Missions Conference (NMC).
Onuh, while addressing journalists, said the organisation was convinced that investing in the youth was synonymous with investing in Nigeria’s future.
“At NIFES, we are convinced that the answer lies with the youth. That is why we continue to invest time, energy, and resources into training young men and women to become leaders of influence and agents of transformation.
“Since its inception, NIFES has trained and equipped over two million young people, many of whom are now contributing meaningfully to nation-building and global impact,” he said.
The national director highlighted the fellowship’s extensive reach, noting its active presence in 399 tertiary institutions across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a membership of over 24,000 students.
He said that through various training programmes, discipleship initiatives, and leadership conferences, NIFES has been instrumental in shaping the character and value systems of students.
Onuh lamented the prevailing moral decay in the society, citing corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and ethnic intolerance as vices eroding the national fabric.
He, however, expressed optimism, stating that Nigeria, blessed with people of great potential, could experience a rebirth through value-driven leadership.
“Our national value system must be reformed if Nigeria will truly rise. The rule of law must prevail, and citizens must be protected from insecurity and socio-economic hardship.
“How then can Nigeria move forward? We are convinced that the answer lies with the youth,” Onuh added.
He emphasised the need for collaboration between the government and stakeholders, stating that working together to invest in the youth is the fundamental path to raising a godly and prosperous nation.
Onuh also called for godly leadership and a commitment to excellence in governance to tackle the nation’s security and moral challenges.
He urged leaders at all levels to lead by example by ensuring justice and guaranteeing the security of lives and property.
He emphasised that the government must actively promote righteousness and excellence over mediocrity.
He argued that when those in authority do the right thing, it sets a powerful precedent for the youth, showing them that integrity is rewarded.
Announcing the forthcoming conference, the director said the event, scheduled for Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 at the NIFES Conference Centre in Kwali, Abuja, would host over 3,000 participants under the theme “Ripe for Harvest”.
He described the conference as a strategic investment in the moral and spiritual framework of Nigeria’s future leaders, designed to stir them towards godly character, integrity, and responsible leadership.
Onuh called on well-meaning Nigerians and partners to support NIFES in its mission of “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today” through prayers, expertise, and financial resources.
“Together, we can build a new generation of leaders who will uphold truth, justice, and righteousness in every sphere of life,” he said.
NAN reports that NIFES is an indigenous, national, and interdenominational Christian organisation with a 57-year history of leadership development and evangelism on campuses. (NAN)