Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has encouraged Nigerian youths to believe in themselves, and open their minds to opportunities around them, saying they could succeed in life without necessarily migrating from the country.
Mbah, however, stressed that the onus was on governments at all levels to build the requisite ecosystems that would enable youths to discover and actualise their potentials.
The governor gave the exhortations in his keynote address during the opening of the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event themed “Rooted in Christ,” and orgnaised by the Anglican Communion (Church of Nigeria), he urged the youths to hold on to their dreams and stretch their imagination.
He reminded them that their imagination should no longer be only about personal ambition, but also should serve as a tool for transformation, ensuring that their potentials were guided by purpose and not scattered by circumstances.
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“Yet, we have to admit: There will be moments when the path is unclear; moments when the effort feels heavy; moments when doubt sets in.
“It is easy to look at the world and lose hope – the wars, the instability, the sense that things are breaking up faster than they are being built.
“But losing hope is not an option. As the Canadian singer, Leonard Cohen, puts it, it is through the cracks that the light gets in,” he admonished.
The governor further urged the youths to follow the path of integrity, service and humility as critical virtues for a successful life.
“Success is measured not only by what you gain – but by what you give. We must raise leaders who are guided not only by ambition, but also by values; not only by intelligence but also by integrity and courage.
“The raw material of greatness is humility and service. If we don’t have these traits, we’re not likely to end well,” he said.
He charged them to face life with courage in the face of changing global environment and challenging circumstances.
“The story of Joshua in the scripture is one of courage, vision, and unwavering faith in the face of daunting challenges. That is the spirit we must cultivate in our young people today – a spirit that says, ‘We are well able to overcome,’” he added.
Mbah said his government was building the needed ecosystem for Enugu youths to thrive, warning that the nation’s and Africa’s enormous youth population and energy could be destructive if not well equipped.
“For too long, the journey of a young person has been limited. You pass through education, and then step into a world that does not know what to do with your passion and talent. It is our duty to change that.
“Across Enugu State, Smart Green Schools are being built in every ward -technology-enablefuture-focused environments designed not just to teach, but to prepare you. Designed to build problem-solvers; to develop minds that can engage the world as it is – and reshape it.
“Beyond that, we are building pathways into real opportunity – through technology, enterprise, and innovation – so that what you learn connects directly to how you live and who you help,” Mbah stated.
In his opening charge, the Anglican Primate, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, described the Joshua Generation as “an unstoppable movement, a strategic discipleship intervention of the Church of Nigeria – targeted at young people in their formative and productive years.
“In a time when many are discouraged by unemployment, insecurity, hardship, secularism, resurgence of idolatrous and obnoxious practices, moral decline, and social instability, you must stand strong for the Lord and this Faith,” he charged the youths.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of an award to Dr. Mbah in recognition of his exemplary leadership and support to the youths to actualise their potentials.
