������Ƶ

Esther Oluku

Some members of the clergy who converged in Lagos for the 2026 RECALP Conference have called on the youth population to build technical career competencies and entrepreneurial skills to improve their social and economic fortunes.

This is even as they affirmed that beyond spiritual development, the youth population require mentorship to develop their potentials as a key contributor to the nation in a fast moving digital age.

RECALP Conference is a non denominational yearly event organised by a subgroup of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Youths and Youth Adult (YAYA), Lagos Province 19 and an acronym for Relationship, Entrepreneurship, Career, Art, Entertainment and Culture, Leadership and Politics aimed at building the next generation of leaders across various sectors of the economy. This year’s conference was themed ‘Bloom’.

The event which garnered members of the clergy, career professionals, high flying entrepreneurs and a teeming population of young people, is convened yearly by the Regional Youth Pastor, Lagos Province 19 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Femi Aminu, and has evolved into a mentorship hub nurturing excellence along career and professional landscapes.

In his keynote address, Bayo Olugbemi, explained that this year’s conference, speaks to God’s divine plan for the human race adding that growth should not only be physical or spiritual but should encompass all aspects of human life.

“The theme is both highly spiritual and prophetic. To bloom means to flourish, to mature and fulfill one’s God’s given potential. It is becoming everything God has designed us to be and making a positive impact wherever we find ourselves.

“As a church we firmly believe that the youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders already today. The decisions we make, the values we embrace, and the skills we develop today, we shape not only your future, but also the future of our families, our communities, our nation, and the Church of Jesus Christ.

He added that through RECALP, God is raising a generation of young people who will not only succeed professionally but will also live with “integrity, excellence, compassion, and a strong commitment to Christian values.”

In his remarks, Aminu noted that while the church helps to mentor people spiritually, events such as RECALP helps to identify talents and strengthen career competences.

“People should pray during times for prayer. But beyond prayers, there’s hard work and discipline required,” Aminu said.

On his part, CEO Cihan Digital Academy, Celestine Achi, speaking on AI and the future of work, warned that young people must reskill or risk being replaced as artificial intelligence continues to disrupt entry‑level jobs.

He explained that the rapid advancement of AI is already eliminating many entry roles because “AI is doing the job,” adding that traditional certificates may no longer guarantee employment.

In his submission, Managing Director at La Casera, Chinedum Okereke, framed his discussion around a central question facing many youths: whether to pursue entrepreneurship or paid employment.

Drawing on decades of corporate experience, Okereke told attendees that there is “no one-size-fits-all” answer and encouraged young people to weigh the advantages of both paths.

He stated that paid employment offers steady income, structure, mentorship and gradual growth, while entrepreneurship can deliver independence and financial upside when it succeeds. He also urged young people to create a structure around discipline, commitment and intentionality to avoid burnout or undermining hard-won progress.