Joel Ajayi

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged the Nigerians to use the lessons from Christmas to build a nation that is founded on unity, peace and prosperity.

In a statement he signed and made available to this medium, Wednesday, NYCN President and Secretary Board of Trustees, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo said the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes a renewal, a new beginning that brings peace and the possibility of a better future. As young people, we must draw inspiration from this

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, the National Youth Council of Nigeria extend warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to Nigerian youths and everyone across the country. Christmas is more than just a time for festivities—it is a season that encourages deep reflection on the values that bind us together.

“This time of celebration reminds us of the importance of love, compassion, and unity, principles that are essential in our individual lives and the collective progress of our nation.

“Christmas transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It serves as a reminder of the power of togetherness, the strength that comes from community, and the joy found in sharing with others. This season challenges us to reflect on our actions, our relationships, and our contributions to building a harmonious society. The teachings of Christmas—selflessness, love, and kindness—are timeless and continue to inspire us, particularly as we navigate the challenges of modern life.

“In this season of joy, let us reflect on what it means to be Nigerian youth in today’s world. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the economic challenges, insecurity, and the overwhelming sense of hardship faced by many in our society. Yet, the message of Christmas calls us to rise above these difficulties, to embrace hope and resilience, and to renew our commitment to making a positive difference in our communities.

“The birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes a renewal, a new beginning that brings peace and the possibility of a better future. As young people, we must draw inspiration from this message and carry it forward in our daily lives, with the understanding that we are the future of Nigeria. The work we do today will shape the tomorrow of our country, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we build a nation that is founded on unity, peace, and prosperity.

“As Nigerian youths, we must acknowledge the crucial role we play in the future of this country. We must rise above the challenges and be proactive in creating the change we wish to see. Unity is paramount to progress, and it is in our diversity that we find our greatest strength. Nigeria is made up of people from different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, yet our diversity should not divide us. Rather, it should unite us as we work toward common goals for the betterment of all Nigerians.

“In this Christmas season, NYCN under my leadership urge all Nigerian youths to foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Let us set aside divisions and focus on what we have in common—the desire for peace, security, and prosperity. Our shared humanity should drive us to build bridges rather than walls. As young people, we have the power to shape the future by embracing our differences and using them to our collective advantage.

“We must also extend kindness to those who are less fortunate. Christmas is a time for giving, and as young leaders, we have the power to make a difference. Whether through charitable initiatives, community service, or even simple acts of kindness, we can all contribute to making someone’s life better. Our society needs more young people who are ready to serve and support others, especially in times of hardship. In doing so, we can embody the true spirit of Christmas.”

He added: “Furthermore, I call on Nigerian leaders to take meaningful steps toward good governance, youth empowerment, and the reduction of poverty. The youth population is one of the greatest assets this country has, yet many young Nigerians are still faced with unemployment, lack of opportunities, and limited access to resources. It is time for leaders to prioritize the welfare of the youth, providing them with opportunities for education, skills development, and job creation.

“The youth of Nigeria are capable of driving the change this country needs. However, this can only happen when our leaders commit to policies that empower young people and provide the necessary infrastructure for their development. There must be a concerted effort to ensure that every young person has access to the tools and resources needed to thrive. This is essential not only for the well-being of our youth but also for the future prosperity of the nation.

“Additionally, there needs to be a greater focus on good governance and accountability. The nation’s resources must be used for the benefit of the people, especially the young population, who will drive Nigeria’s future. We cannot afford to allow resources to be mismanaged or wasted.

“This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us renew our commitment to the values of selflessness, sacrifice, and love. As young people, we must understand that the future of Nigeria depends on the actions we take today. Our country is in need of leaders who are willing to put the needs of the people first, who are ready to make sacrifices for the common good, and who are committed to creating a more prosperous, just, and equitable society for all.

“In conclusion, I encourage every Nigerian youth to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and apply its lessons in their daily lives. Let us embrace unity, work together for the betterment of our nation, and commit ourselves to making meaningful contributions to society. Let us also task our leaders to focus on good governance and youth empowerment as a means of reducing poverty and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

“May this Christmas season bring peace, joy, and hope to all Nigerians. Let us move forward into the new year with renewed purpose and determination to build a better Nigeria for ourselves and for future generations.”

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