Christ Global Network Inc attributes youths unemployment to increase social unrest, crime, and immigration of skilled youths.

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

Christ Global Network Inc, a conglomerate of Bishops and Ministers of God has frowned at increase in youths unemployment in the country and attribute it to increase in crime, social unrest and immigration of skilled youths abroad instead of staying in the country to contribute their quota towards the development of the country and called for immediate address.

The Global Christians body said this during a press briefing during their Fresh Fire Conference 2026 which took place on Saturday, 11th at  Rhema Christian Church & Towers,  in Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

Speaking through their Chairman, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, Apostolic Presbyter and Founding President of Rhema Christian Church Towers, they noted that each year, hundreds of thousands of graduates enter the labour market, yet without jobs. 

They said though Nigeria’s youth population remains its greatest asset; yet, in 2026, youths unemployment and underemployment continue to pose serious national challenges.

From Left:

Revd Mrs Modupe Akinteye, 

Bishop Dr. Abiodun Akinteye; International Coordinator Christ Global Network, Archbishop Dr Taiwo Akinola; Presbyter, Christ Global Network, Bishop Mrs. Ireti Akinola; ArchBishop Wife, Bishop Israel Alaya, Treasurer Christ Global Network at the Christ Global Network INC, New Wine Fire Conference 2026.   

According to the body, current labour trends indicate that a significant proportion of young Nigerians remain unemployed or engaged in informal, low-income work, despite modest improvements in overall economic indicators. 

The Christians body said though youths represent the largest share of the labour force but face limited access to stable and meaningful employment opportunities.

The Christians body said the result is a widening gap between education and employment, with many young people lacking access to practical skills, digital opportunities, and entrepreneurial support.

"The consequences are far-reaching. Youths unemployment is closely linked to increased vulnerability to crime, migration pressures, and social unrest. The continued outflow of skilled young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad reflects both ambition and systemic frustration."

Archbishop Taiwo Akinola Apostolic Presbyter and Founding President Rhema Christian Church Towers.

They said despite all these, there are emerging opportunities as growth in the digital economy, creative industries, and small-scale enterprise sectors offers viable pathways for youth engagement—if properly supported through policy and investment.

On the way out they  propose:

1. Large-scale youths job creation initiatives in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

2. Expansion of vocational training, digital skills development, and innovation hubs.

3. Increased access to funding and structured support for youth-led enterprises.

4. Stronger alignment between education systems and labour market demands.

PRESS BRIEFING ON NATIONAL SECURITY, ECONOMIC REALITIES, YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT, AND THE FORTHCOMING ,, ORGANIZED BY CHRIST GLOBAL NETWORK AT THE NEW WINE / FRESH FIRE CONFERENCE 2026, HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026, AT RHEMA CHRISTIAN CHURCH & TOWERS, SANGO-OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Dear Gentlemen of the Press,

As we warmly welcome you here today, we equally extend grace, peace, and heartfelt concern to all Nigerians at this critical moment in our nation’s history.

Nigeria, in 2026, stands at a defining intersection—where issues of security, economic recovery, youth inclusion, and democratic integrity are shaping not only our present realities but also the future of generations to come.

This New Wine/Fresh Fire Conference 2026 serves as a prophetic platform for revival, responsibility, and national transformation. As such, we consider it both a spiritual duty and a civic responsibility to speak with clarity, balance, and evidence on the following urgent national matters.

ON SECURITY CONCERNS

The security situation in Nigeria remains a matter of grave national concern. While our military and security agencies have recorded localized operational gains in 2026, incidents of violence, abduction, and community displacement continue to affect several regions of the country.

Recent security tracking reports indicate that thousands of Nigerians have already been affected by violent incidents in the first quarter of 2026 alone, including casualties, kidnappings, and forced displacement. This reflects a persistent pattern of insecurity, particularly in parts of the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt.

Kidnapping for ransom remains a major threat to both rural and urban communities. Although intensified security operations have disrupted some criminal networks this year, abduction incidents continue to impose heavy psychological and economic burdens on families, schools, and local economies.

In addition, internal displacement remains a humanitarian concern. Millions of Nigerians, especially women and children, are still living in vulnerable conditions due to conflict-related displacement, with limited access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

Encouragingly, 2026 has seen renewed coordination among security agencies and increased investment in intelligence-led operations, contributing to improved response in certain areas. However, public confidence remains fragile, with ongoing concerns about response times, prevention strategies, and accountability.

Christ Global Network therefore calls for:

1. A non-partisan National Security Summit in 2026 to harmonise strategy across all levels of government.

2. Strengthened intelligence gathering and community policing frameworks.

3. Greater transparency and accountability in security operations.

4. Sustained investment in modern equipment, personnel welfare, and technology-driven security systems.

5. A recognition that security must remain a shared national priority beyond politics, requiring unity, sincerity, and decisive leadership.

ON ECONOMIC REALITIES IN 2026

Nigeria’s economic outlook in 2026 reflects early signs of stabilization alongside ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

According to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation has moderated significantly, declining to approximately 15% in early 2026, compared to much higher levels recorded in previous years. This marks a notable shift toward macroeconomic stability.

A key driver of this improvement is the reduction in food inflation, which dropped sharply in early 2026 before experiencing a modest uptick in subsequent months. While this indicates improving food supply conditions, it also highlights the fragility of price stability due to seasonal factors and production costs.

In the energy sector, increased domestic refining capacity has contributed to improved fuel availability and relative price stabilization earlier in the year. However, recent global geopolitical tensions have led to renewed upward pressure on fuel prices, demonstrating Nigeria’s continued exposure to international oil market volatility.

There are also signs of greater exchange rate stability and easing non-food inflation, suggesting that economic reforms are beginning to take effect. However, for many Nigerians, the cost of living remains high, as incomes have not yet caught up with the cumulative effects of past inflation.

This underscores a critical reality: while macroeconomic indicators are improving, household-level economic relief remains limited.

This Christian body therefore urges the government to:

1. Consolidate gains in inflation reduction and food supply stability.

2. Strengthen local production in agriculture and manufacturing.

3. Protect and expand domestic energy and refining capacity.

4. Implement targeted social protection measures for vulnerable households.

Economic recovery must not only be measured in statistics but also in real improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

You

ON YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Nigeria’s demographic advantage must be intentionally harnessed; otherwise, it risks becoming a demographic burden rather than a driver of growth.

ON THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS

As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, the importance of credible, peaceful, and transparent elections cannot be overstated.

Recent electoral cycles have shown both progress and persistent challenges. While technological innovations have improved aspects of the process, concerns remain regarding voter turnout, trust in institutions, and electoral transparency.

Voter participation remains relatively low, reflecting public scepticism and disengagement, particularly among young people. This trend must be urgently addressed to strengthen democratic legitimacy.

Election-related tensions and isolated incidents of violence also remain risks that require proactive management through effective security deployment and early conflict-prevention mechanisms.

We call on:

1. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure full transparency and reliability in electoral processes.

2. Security agencies to guarantee safe and violence-free elections.

3. Political actors to uphold integrity, issue-based campaigns, and national unity.

4. Citizens to make informed choices based on competence, character, and credibility.

Leadership must be understood as a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain.

Furthermore, with reference to the forthcoming 2027 general elections, we issue a word of prayerful caution:

1. Political actors should shun inflammatory rhetoric, manipulation, and all forms of electoral malpractice. Let the process be guided by conscience, the fear of God, and a commitment to national stability.

2. The electorate should remain discerning, resisting inducement and deception, and upholding truth and righteousness in their choices.

3. The Church must intensify intercession for the 2027 elections—that they may usher in leaders who will govern with wisdom, justice, and reverence for God.

A CALL TO GLOBAL PEACE AND RESPONSIBILITY

At this time, we extend our concern beyond national borders to the state of global peace. Ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as tensions in the Middle East, continue to threaten global stability.

These conflicts carry far-reaching humanitarian and economic consequences—including impacts on energy supply, food security, and international relations—which ultimately affect nations like Nigeria.

We call on global leaders to pursue dialogue over destruction, diplomacy over division, and peace over conflict. The sanctity of human life must remain paramount.

A CALL TO PRAYER AND NATIONAL RENEWAL

At this defining moment, we recognize that beyond policies and institutions, Nigeria’s progress depends on moral, spiritual, and collective renewal.

We call on the Body of Christ and all people of faith to rise in fervent and sustained prayer for the nation. This is a time for humility, wisdom, and unity of purpose.

We believe that divine guidance remains essential for national transformation—granting wisdom to leaders, peace to communities, and hope to citizens.

CONCLUSION

Nigeria’s challenges are real, but so are the opportunities before us. Encouraging signs of economic stabilization, ongoing security efforts, and the resilience of our people provide a foundation for hope.

However, progress must be intentional, inclusive, and sustained. With unity, accountability, and faith, Nigeria can overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger—built on the foundations of peace, justice, and shared prosperity.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless all participants in the ongoing New Wine/Fresh Fire Conference 2026.

God bless you all.

Signed:

Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, PhD, DD

Apostolic Presbyter, Christ Global Network,

Founding President/Pastor-General, RCC&T.