In today's fast-paced, digitally saturated world, the youth are surrounded by a multitude of distractions competing for their attention; social media, entertainment, peer pressure, and a culture of instant gratification. While technology and globalization have opened many doors, they have also created an environment where values are constantly tested and identity is often shaped by fleeting trends rather than enduring principles. In such a time as this, the call to raise purpose-driven youth has never been more urgent.
A purpose-driven youth is one who lives with intention, grounded in values, and committed to making a positive impact in their community and the world. Purpose brings clarity in confusion, direction in chaos, and strength in moments of pressure. Without purpose, young people are vulnerable to wandering aimlessly through life, making choices that may lead to regret, stagnation, or destruction.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, and policymakers have a shared responsibility to shape the environment that helps young people discover and pursue their God-given purpose. This involves more than academic instruction; it requires mentorship, value-based education, and the cultivation of self-worth and resilience. As a legislator, I believe that purpose-driven policies, ones that fund youth development, mentorship programs, vocational training, and value reorientation, are foundational to national transformation.
Spiritual grounding is critical in this process. When young people are introduced to faith, morality, and godly principles early, they develop an inner compass that helps them navigate life's storms. A generation that honors God will ultimately be a generation that honors purpose, integrity, and service.
However, we must also address the realities of economic hardship, broken homes, poor leadership examples, and systemic failure that often dampen youthful enthusiasm and ambition. Many young people, burdened by hopelessness, seek escape in harmful habits. That’s why purpose must be paired with opportunity. It is not enough to inspire; we must equip. Government and community leaders must be intentional about creating platforms that allow young people to dream and to thrive.
In my constituency, we continue to prioritize youth inclusion, educational support, and leadership development. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of purpose when a young boy becomes the first in his family to attend university, or when a girl once shy and reserved begins to speak boldly about her dreams after being mentored. These are the stories that remind us that the next generation is not a problem to be solved, but a promise to be fulfilled.
It is also essential to promote content that builds rather than breaks. The media and entertainment sectors must take responsibility for what they feed the minds of our youth. Role models must rise; teachers, politicians, clergy, entrepreneurs, who live by example and show that it is still possible to succeed through honesty, diligence, and vision.
In conclusion, raising purpose-driven youth in a distracted generation is not an impossible task, it is a necessary mission. It requires prayer, planning, and partnership across every layer of society. Let us invest time, love, and leadership into our youth, for they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the stewards of today’s legacy and the architects of a brighter, more purposeful future.
– Hon Emeka Jacob Obioma (Tommy), is the Abia State House of Assembly Chief Whip and member Representing Umuahia South
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