TRIBUTE: Inside Primate Henry Ndukuba’s legacy of raising global Christian youth movement, By Folu Olamiti

Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has reached the age of 65, marking a milestone that encapsulates six decades of service to God, the Gospel and the Anglican Communion. As he celebrates this occasion, tributes highlight not only his long-standing dedication but also his transformative role in shaping the global Christian youth movement. His leadership has focused on evangelism, discipleship, biblical fidelity and cultivating a new generation of church leaders equipped to serve in diverse spheres of influence. Ndukuba assumed the position of Primate in 2020, bringing with him a clear vision for the Church's future. Central to this vision is the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference (JGIYC), a program designed to inspire and equip young Christians with spiritual strength, moral clarity and a deep commitment to the Word of God. Launched in April 2021, the initiative emerged from a recognition of the challenges facing young people in maintaining active Christian engagement. Many were drifting away from traditional religious practices, influenced by secular values and cultural shifts. In response, Ndukuba sought to create a unified platform that would bring together various youth ministries under one umbrella, enhancing their collective effectiveness. During an interview with Advent Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN TV) on 25 March 2022, Ndukuba spoke candidly about the origins of JGIYC. He noted that the fragmented nature of youth organizations within the Anglican Communion had limited their ability to collaborate effectively. Ministries such as the Sunday School Movement, Anglican Children’s Ministry, Anglican Youth Fellowship, Anglican Students’ Fellowship and the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) often worked in isolation. This lack of coordination diminished their impact. The Joshua Generation initiative aims to address this by fostering unity and synergy among these groups, enabling them to work together toward shared goals. Inspired by the biblical figures of Joshua and Caleb, Ndukuba sees the initiative as a call to action for young Christians to embody faith, courage and perseverance. Just as Joshua and Caleb trusted God’s promises despite doubts and uncertainties, today’s youth must remain steadfast in their commitment to biblical truth amid modern pressures. The goal is to produce a generation of leaders who can navigate the complexities of contemporary life while staying rooted in spiritual integrity. The global reach of the initiative extends beyond Nigeria into the wider Anglican Communion and the international Christian community. Ndukuba views the Church of Nigeria as uniquely positioned to mobilize young believers worldwide for evangelism, discipleship and mission. He emphasizes that the Church should be guided by righteous living, obedience and faithful service, rather than being driven solely by prosperity-focused teachings. This perspective underscores a broader theological and practical shift within the Anglican tradition. The results of the initiative have been substantial. Since its inception, over 20,000 young people have publicly committed their lives to Christ, and more than 10,000 have pledged to serve as missionaries. Training programs through the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society (CNMS) have prepared numerous individuals for deployment to mission fields, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of the conference’s objectives. These numbers reflect the growing impact of JGIYC and the potential it holds for transforming the landscape of Christian leadership globally.