The Role of Christian Youth in Societal Transformation: A Case Study of Khana Local Government Area

Abstract

Societal transformation refers to visible changes in economic, socio-political, moral, and environmental conditions within a society. This paper examined the role of Christian youths in driving societal transformation in Khana Local Government Area of Nigeria, a region predominantly inhabited by Christian Ogoni people but characterised by ethnic and religious diversity. Despite challenges such as environmental degradation from oil pollution, which exacerbates poverty and weakens communal cohesion, Christian youths actively participate in community development, social justice, and moral advocacy initiatives. The study addressed a gap in existing literature regarding the role of Christian youths in Ogoniland’s societal transformation by examining the nature of youth-led initiatives, motivations for participation, and strategies for enhancing impact within a pluralistic and volatile socio-political environment. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving structured questionnaires administered to 300 Christian youths aged 21–41, with 250 responses used for analysis. Findings revealed that 75% of respondents engaged in community development programmes, 60% participated in advocacy activities, and 55% were involved in evangelism, driven by faith, compassion, and a desire for positive social change. The study highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts in strengthening grassroots initiatives, while acknowledging challenges such as limited resources and socio-political instability. Anchored in social transformation theory, the study emphasised youth empowerment, interfaith dialogue, and leadership development, advocating the scaling up of effective initiatives. The research demonstrates how localised actions of Christian youths contribute to resilience, reform, and societal transformation within Nigeria’s complex social fabric.