THE SOCIO-RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHURCH IN SOLVING YOUTH CRISES IN THE NIGERIAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Youth crises have become one of the most pressing socio-political and moral challenges confronting contemporary Nigeria. Manifestations such as unemployment, cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, prostitution, kidnapping, political thuggery, religious extremism, militancy, and mental health distress have continued to threaten national cohesion and sustainable development. In response, the Church has appeared as a significant socio-religious institution playing a role in youth transformation through moral instruction, education, skills empowerment, counselling, peacebuilding, advocacy, and welfare interventions. This paper thoroughly examines the Church's socio-religious contribution to solving youth crises in Nigeria. Using historical and analytical methods, the study argues that, despite criticisms and internal limitations, the Church remains one of the most influential institutions shaping youth behaviour and social resilience in Nigeria. The paper concludes that stronger partnerships among the Church, the state, the family, and civil society are necessary to achieve lasting solutions to youth crises.