Vincent OBANIYI, Communication Officer, Catholic Diocese of Oyo

 

Nigeria is a nation deeply steeped in religion. From the early hours of the morning, Church bells ring, and mosques call the faithful to prayer. In every part of the country, faith is publicly professed, often loudly and proudly. Yet, behind this outward display of religiosity lies a hidden struggle: many of the nation’s young people are finding it increasingly difficult to live their Catholic faith faithfully in daily life.

 

The Church has always looked to the youth as the strength of her mission. In them lies energy, creativity, and the promise of the future. However, today’s Nigerian youth face cultural, economic, and spiritual challenges that constantly put to the test their fidelity to Christ.

 

The modern world, driven by globalization and technology, has opened new horizons for young people. Social media connects them with global ideas, lifestyles, and trends at the touch of a screen. Unfortunately, much of what they consume stands in stark contrast to Catholic values. The desire to “belong” and “stay relevant” often draws them away from Christ.

 

On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), the pressure to measure success by wealth, physical appearance, or popularity can be overwhelming. Many youths are caught in a silent battle between living out the Gospel and chasing worldly approval. This tension, if not checked, can slowly erode their spiritual foundation.

 

Nigeria’s economic situation is one of the greatest trials of faith for her youth. With unemployment rates among young people alarmingly high, and many graduates struggling to find meaningful jobs, survival has become the dominant concern.

 

In such a climate, faith is tested. The lure of “easy money” schemes, internet fraud (“yahoo-yahoo”), and corrupt practices becomes very strong. While the Church continues to preach patience, honesty, and trust in God’s providence, many youths ask: “How can I wait on God when hunger is real?”

 

Yet, the Gospel calls the faithful to see beyond immediate struggles. As Christ reminds us: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:25, 33).

 

Another challenge Nigerian youths face is the influence of peers and the growing culture of moral relativism. In universities, workplaces, and even neighborhoods, young people often encounter friends and colleagues who ridicule holiness and celebrate compromise.

 

Behaviors once considered shameful are now normalized. Casual sexual relationships, dishonesty in academics and business, substance abuse, and materialistic lifestyles are presented as “freedom.” Chastity, humility, and fidelity are mocked as “old-fashioned.”

 

For Catholic youths who lack strong spiritual grounding, such an environment makes it difficult to stand firm. Without guidance, many are swept away by what “everyone else is doing.”

 

The lack of authentic role models has deepened the struggle. Nigerian youths are highly observant. They watch their leaders—political, social, and even religious—closely. Sadly, corruption scandals, moral failures, and hypocrisy among those in authority have left many young people disillusioned.

 

In such an atmosphere, cynicism grows. Some youths ask: “If our leaders cannot live by the values they preach, why should we?” The danger here is that disillusionment can easily turn into indifference, or worse, abandonment of faith altogether.

 

The Church insists that every generation needs credible witnesses who can say, like St. Paul: “Imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Parents, priests, consecrated persons, and lay leaders are called to live authentically, knowing that their lives preach louder than their words.

 

Nigerian youths are ambitious and highly gifted. They dream of success, global recognition, and making a difference in the world. However, ambition often collides with faith. The temptation to cut corners, tell lies, or compromise integrity for quick progress is always near.

 

The Catholic faith calls them instead to a different path: patience, honesty, service, and sacrifice. It is not always the fastest path, but it is the most enduring one. As Pope Benedict XVI once said: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”

 

Despite these many struggles, the Church remains hopeful. Nigerian youths are not without grace, and they are not without support. Across Dioceses, Parishes, and Chaplaincies, vibrant youth organizations continue to form young Catholics in prayer, fellowship, and mission.

 

The Church calls on young people to draw strength from the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and to rediscover the power of authentic community. Pope Francis, in Christus Vivit, reminds them: “Christ is alive, and He wants you to be alive!”

 

When young people allow Christ to be the center of their lives, even the most difficult challenges can be faced with courage and faith. The Nigerian youth is not destined for compromise but for holiness, witness, and leadership in a society that is hungry for light.