The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has urged Nigerian youths to use their raw energy, intelligence and creativity positively instead of engaging in destructive and fraudulent activities.

Archbishop Kaigama also called on government at all levels to channel resources into human capital building and productive ventures instead of over depending on oil, foreign aid and aggressive borrowing from other countries. The Metropolitan of Abuja made the call during his homily of the thirty-third Sunday at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja.

The Archbishop noted that the attitude of the unproductive servant in the gospel represents those who bury their God given gifts or those who instead of using their knowledge and skill prefer begging or even stealing. “Stealing and begging is not a profession. After graduating with a university degree, do not wait for white collar jobs, rather, engage in any petty trade”, Kaigama challenged youths.

Speaking about Nigeria, the Archbishop said, “We are blessed with huge agricultural potentials to make us self-reliance and our youth gainfully employed, and there is no reason to be referred to as ‘the poverty capital of the world’. Why we don’t progress well is because we fail to make the necessary sacrifices and transparency that could propel us to greatness”.

“Many Nigerians are thriving abroad but at home people with good brains and skills are frustrated because of the deficiency of social infrastructure, technical equipment, coupled with corrupt practices. Our leaders should provide the conducive environment and help people who have gifts to employ them for the good of fellow Nigerians.

Archbishop Kaigama therefore called on Nigerian leaders to generate good job opportunities and create avenues for skill acquisition so that our youth can nourish our country with their great talents.