Rev. Sam Aboyeji, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, has called on Nigerian youths to prepare themselves for leadership positions and greater responsibilities in the future. He also urged leaders across various sectors to deliberately create space for young people, noting that mentoring and empowering them remain critical to securing the nation’s future.
Aboyeji gave the charge during a media briefing where he announced the fifth edition of “Switch,” a youth-focused programme designed to equip young people in three key areas of life – marriage, ministry and the marketplace. The programme, themed “Graced Pacesetters,” is scheduled to hold on May 2, 2026, at the national headquarters of the church located at Akinwunmi Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, starting at 9:00 a.m.
Nation-Building Through Youth Empowerment
According to Aboyeji, genuine nation-building depends largely on the ability of a society to properly prepare its youths for the future through mentorship, character development and exposure to relevant knowledge that will make them impactful. He expressed concern over what he described as rising cases of moral decadence and infidelity among young people, stressing the need for deliberate interventions that will help redirect their focus toward purposeful living and responsible leadership.
The Switch Initiative
The cleric explained that the Switch initiative was designed as an interdenominational and youth-driven platform aimed at mentoring the upcoming generation and equipping them with practical insights required to navigate life successfully. He described a pacesetter as someone who leads from the front by establishing new standards and inspiring others through exemplary conduct and innovation.
The programme aims to address the challenges faced by youths in contemporary society by providing them with the tools and guidance needed to become effective leaders. Aboyeji emphasized that the church is committed to raising a generation of leaders who will positively impact their communities and the nation at large.
