The Chairman Adamawa Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, has cautioned youths against adopting bad people, particularly leaders as their mentors.
Mamza made the call Saturday in Yola while addressing an Inter-Denominational Youth Retreat organized by Coalition of Christian Group for Good Governance (COCGOG).
Mamza who observed that any serious minded youth needed a mentor, said choosing bad ones which has been the case by some youths expected to be leaders of tomorrow would not bring the needed transformation in the church and society in general.
“The youths have passion and optimism that the Church desperately need, we should therefore encourage them to take their rightful position.
“They should look out for adult who can mentor them; they should not follow dubious ones.
“They need to look out for those with exemplary characters; such as honesty, sincerity, transparency in their affairs, truthfulness and very religious.
“Our youth should not allow themselves to be deceived or misled; don’t allow the unserious ones to lead you or show you the way,” Mamza said.
He also condemned those he said were trying to turn Church to a business venture, adding that such was not the teachings of Christ.
“The Church is not for business but for the salvation of souls.
“Let’s continue to pray and tell the truth to all concern.”
While urging the youth to remain steadfast in doing the right thing, Mamza said he had rejected many awards from many groups, adding that when you are doing the work of God there is no better reward that the one from God.
In his keynote address at the occasion, Chief Medan Fwa, observed the absence of societal core values among youths as one of the major problem in the society.
Fwa lauded COCGOG for the retreat and urged the youths to raise up to the occasion by renewing their commitment to doing the right thing in the society.
In his remarks, the President of COCGOG, Mr Daniel Kadzai, said the retreat was organized to awaken the youths on the need to return to the gospel and follow the ways of Jesus Christ.
“Young people must learn to do the right thing so that this nation will remain peaceful and United.
“Nigeria must unite irrespective of tribe, religion. We should return to God and follow our religious teachings of love and peace to attain the needed unity for progress,” Kadzai said.
Other speakers at the occasion like Rev. Peter Makanto and the Provost of ECWA College of Theology, Gombe, also preach on the need for Christians to live an exemplary like.
