Plateau Governor Urges Church to Tackle Youth Moral Crisis
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged faith-based institutions to address the growing social and moral challenges among youth.
- He highlighted the church's crucial role in value orientation, behavioral change, and fostering peace, while acknowledging security concerns.
- The governor called for increased church engagement in mentorship, counseling, and rehabilitation, citing issues like drug abuse, misinformation, and child trafficking.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has issued a compelling call to action for faith-based institutions, emphasizing their indispensable role in combating the escalating moral and social crises affecting the state's youth. Speaking at the ECWA Headquarters Church in Jos, Governor Mutfwang underscored the urgent need for a renewed focus on value orientation and robust engagement with the younger generation.
Governor Mutfwang articulated that the church is not merely a place of worship but a strategic partner in molding societal values, driving positive behavioral shifts, and cultivating peace and unity within communities. While acknowledging the persistent security challenges, particularly the recent unrest in Mangu Local Government Area, he stressed that the state faces deeper social and developmental concerns that demand a collective response. The governor expressed profound sympathy for those affected by the Mangu incident, praying for healing and reconciliation.
We are quietly losing a generation. The church needs to return to internal evangelism. We must re-evangelise the church.
A particularly poignant concern raised by the Governor was the widening disconnect between the church and younger generations. "We are quietly losing a generation. The church needs to return to internal evangelism. We must re-evangelise the church," he stated passionately. He noted with alarm that some youths involved in recent violent unrest were influenced by drugs, misinformation, and social disorientation. This highlights a critical need for the church to extend its influence beyond the pulpit into practical engagement, mentorship, counseling, and rehabilitation, as he urged, "When it comes to rehabilitation, the church must step up. We must go beyond the pulpit. Youth fellowship platforms must rise to the challenge. This is about saving a generation."
Furthermore, Governor Mutfwang drew attention to the disturbing rise in child trafficking and exploitation, revealing a recent interception of nine children allegedly being transported to Lagos. This alarming trend, cutting across several local government areas, necessitates stronger collaboration between communities, faith-based organizations, parents, and security agencies to protect vulnerable children. The governor also specifically addressed the plight of young girls in mining communities, where exploitation and abuse remain prevalent, calling for intensified advocacy and grassroots engagement from the church to protect and empower these vulnerable groups. The governor's message is a clear signal that addressing the moral fabric of society is as critical as tackling physical insecurity in Plateau State.
When it comes to rehabilitation, the church must step up. We must go beyond the pulpit. Youth fellowship platforms must rise to the challenge. This is about saving a generation.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.