Church points youths to real estate opportunities

In a bid to combat the growing challenge of youth unemployment in Nigeria, the Church of God Mission, Victoria Island Zone, has launched a strategic empowerment initiative through its annual Roundtable-Lekki conference.

Speaking at the 2025 edition of the event held recently in Lagos, the Zonal Coordinator, Pastor Chris Ubamadu, said the church conceived the programme as a deliberate response to the rising rate of joblessness among young people, particularly fresh graduates.

“We observed the increasing unemployment rate and the hardship it brings,” Ubamadu said. “Rather than just praying, we decided to act. The Roundtable-Lekki was created as a platform to equip young people with practical knowledge that can generate income — and this year, we focused on opportunities in the real estate sector.”

He added that the church views itself as a solution provider, aiming to empower rather than offer temporary relief. “We believe true empowerment lies in sharing information and building capacity. Our goal is not to hand out food but to teach people how to create sustainable livelihoods.”

Now in its third year, the conference selects a different economic sector annually to expose participants to viable opportunities. Past editions have centred on digital skills and social media monetisation.

This year’s event featured high-level speakers including the Founding Chairman of PWAN Group, Augustine Onwumere, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai — both of whom shared insights on building wealth through real estate.

Ubamadu described the initiative as the church’s contribution to national economic development, saying faith-based organisations must rise beyond the pulpit to meet real-world challenges.