----- as Ayinde speaks on impact of christian youths.
By Okworide Simeon
The LAWMNA event centre of The Apostolic Church Nigeria at Olorunda, Ketu, Lagos state was beehives of activities on the 17th January 2026, as dignitaries across all walks of life trooped in to grace the second edition of the pastor S.G.O Uyeh public lecture series.
The lecture put together by the S.G.O Uyeh foundation and Delta media trend Ltd dwelled on the place and impact of christian youths in national transformation and development.
The former honourable commissioner of physical planning and urban development, Lagos state, TPL Toyin Ayinde who presented a paper on the topic of discussion "The place and impact of christian youths in national transformation and development", had noted that the current leaders must do the right thing by providing the right platform of leadership for the youths to step in. He advised that the elders must be ready to begin to correct themselves on some of the maladies militating against the progress of the Church in particular, and the nation in general and the only way to mitigate it, is to create a platform where the youths can be tested through various assignment to assess their level of commitment and dedication to duties. He advised that the youths should be encouraged and carried along in decision making because they have speed, they have energy and courage.
TPL Toyin Ayinde, while emphasis on the importance of the christian youths, especially in the Church, gave some examples in the BIBLE and mentioned "David, Daniel, Shadrach Meshach and Abednego who were young men, but, they were not sidelined by the elders as they were central to GOD'S national and redemptive plans. They were called out within their calling, to intervene in national affairs.
TPL Toyin Ayinde also expressed some concerns over some of the youths who deliberately do not want to do anything meaningful for themselves, stressing that, through meaningful things, they can be noticed and tested through assignments.
He advised the youths to try as much as possible to embark on personal transformation through various training to get themselves well-equiped for future leadership roles.
The national president of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, and chairman of the occasion, Pastor Dr Lawrence Olusesan Oladele had earlier on , craved the indulgence of the audience that the youths must get ready for leadership roles because the roles and impact of the youths as the largest demographic percentage of the nation's population and even in the Church cannot be undermined in the growth of the Church in particular and National development in general.
Pastor Dr Lawrence Olusesan Oladele further explained that, for the christian youths to make impact, they must have sure foundation of having the right relationship with God Almighty, while obeying the Gospel of Christ and live by salvation principles and be ready to lead others to Christ, noting that, they must have a servant heart that is ready to help others and develop the character and virtue that will showcase their talents and potentials. He pointed out that these attributes will prepare them for their roles in the Church first before or simultaneously making impacts in the nation building.
Pastor Dr Lawrence Olusesan Oladele further explained that, for the christian youths to make impact, they must have sure foundation of having the right relationship with God Almighty, while obeying the Gospel of Christ and live by salvation principles and be ready to lead others to Christ, noting that, they must have a servant heart that is ready to help others and develop the character and virtue that will showcase their talents and potentials. He pointed out that these attributes will prepare them for their roles in the Church first before or simultaneously making impacts in the nation building.
Pastor Dr Lawrence Olusesan Oladele, while emphasis on the youths in the areas of specialties as they come out of age, the elders and leaders of the Church must know and understand that it is a God-given responsibility to them to identify, assist, mentor and disciple the young ones.
He advised that, it is high time the wall of partition between the elders and young ones is broken to ensure that recognition is being given to their own benefits.
"They need total belonginess and opportunity to operate by giving them:
Right spiritual, ethical and integrity development; Capacity building and empowerment, inclusivity and fair representation, including leadership responsibility and monitoring. These must be done, not on lip service but, with sincerity of Christ mentorship and leadership model"
The Celebrant, Pastor Dr S.G.O. Uyeh expressed satisfaction over the public lecture series held in his honour, saying, "My heart is filled with gratitude as I stand before you today, I'm deeply humbled by this great honour and overwhelmed by the faithfulness of our GOD"
While appreciating the guest speaker, TPL Toyin Ayinde for an insightful, thought-provoking and challenging presentation, he noted that the lecture speaks not only to the youths, but, also to the Church and national leadership at large.
He noted that the guest speaker has delivered the message as he had emphasized on the urgency of a prepared youth-a generation ready to take the baton, to take the bull by the horns and to step into leadership with courage and conviction.
"To our youths, I say this with all sincerity that, you have a divine role to play in advancing the Gospel and fulfilling the great commission. Our society yearns for transformation. The future is calling you and you are the answer"
The LAWMNA territorial chairman, advised the youths that, they should not be swayed by ungodly influences that dominate today's social media space, asking them to reject every vice that can turn them into agent of destruction, instead, they should become agents of of transformation, development and hope.
The LAWMNA territorial chairman further stated that, under his watch, the Church has been intentional in entrusting leadership position to vibrant, faithful and trustworthy youths, noting that, that's what the Church needs at the moment and indeed is what Nigeria as a nation also desperately needs.
"A nation that neglects the potential of her youths does so at her own peril".
"This second edition of the public lecture series stands as a personal commitment to nurturing young leadership. It also signal the imminence of my transition from leadership, in full alignment with the Church transition policy. By the grace of God, we shall faithfully conclude this process within the approved time line in the first quarter of this year".