The Spiritual Director and Founder of the Holy Spirit in Action Adoration Ministry Abakaliki (HAMA), Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chukwuma Agbo, has warned that the neglect of Nigeria’s youth population by successive governments is fueling the surge in crime, insecurity, and social unrest across the country.
Speaking during the Youth Sunday celebration at the ministry’s headquarters in Egwudinagu, Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the fiery cleric described the situation as an “alarming abandonment” of young people. He stressed that unless youths are deliberately integrated into governance and national development, Nigeria’s stability would remain under threat.
“Nigeria deserves responsible youths to take the lead, but the central leadership has forgotten them. Many young people have resorted to cybercrime and other illegalities to survive. Who should be blamed when, after going through school, there are no jobs, no electricity, no potable water, no healthcare, and yet these same youths are expected to feed their families and pay bills?” he asked.
Fr. Agbo accused politicians of paying lip service to youth empowerment, lamenting that many only reappear during electioneering period.
“We can no longer tolerate representatives visiting us only when they need our votes. Four plus four is now: your work will determine whether you merit return or retirement from office,” he charged.
The Catholic priest urged lawmakers and political appointees, particularly those from Ebonyi State, to take responsibility and ensure policies that address unemployment, provide social amenities, and foster inclusive governance.
At the same time, he cautioned the youths against embracing crime as an alternative. He listed kidnapping, robbery, prostitution, drug peddling, and human trafficking as destructive paths that compromise both personal dignity and the future of the nation.
He raised alarm over the trafficking of young women from Ebonyi to countries such as Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, and Mali, where many were deceived into sex work and some tragically returned home in coffins.
“No amount of hardship should push our girls into prostitution abroad. Many who embarked on such journeys have returned dead, while some were buried in foreign lands. You must value your dignity,” he admonished.
Turning to healthcare, Fr. Agbo expressed concern over the condition of the General Hospital in Egwudinagu Ishieke village. He described the facility as grossly under-staffed, noting that the absence of qualified personnel had led to avoidable maternal and child deaths. He called on the Ebonyi State government to intervene without delay.
Despite the grim realities, the cleric highlighted efforts by HAMA Ministry in supporting young people. According to him, the ministry has sponsored the education of over 400 students across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Marking his 14th anniversary as a Catholic priest, Fr. Agbo reaffirmed his commitment to his vocation.
“Despite the enemies of progress, nothing will make me quit the priesthood. God called me, and by His grace, I will remain faithful,” he declared.
The event also featured a health sensitization session led by Scientist Innocent Anayo Ugo, a Medical Laboratory Expert from the Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu. He educated the youths on the importance of blood group and genotype testing before marriage, warning that incompatibility could result in sickle cell complications, miscarriages, and lifelong health challenges.
In addition, Missionary Sisters of the Divine Image from Imo State, led by Rev. Sis. Cordelia Uzor, encouraged the congregation by announcing that two young girls from the community, Perpetua Odom and Precious Odom, had joined their formation program.
She appealed for prayers and support to nurture more vocations from Ebonyi, noting that she had personally visited the girls’ parents to secure their consent.
