Evangelist John Kola-Idowu, a Nigerian-American gospel artiste and coordinator of between 1 and 150 Psalm songs, on Friday charged youths to adopt positive values to promote peace and tranquility ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections.
He advised Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, hatred or division during the 2027 elections, saying their future leadership role should not be thrown away for pecuniary gains by desperate politicians.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, capital of Osun State, Kola-Idowu said: “At a time when our world faces conflict, insecurity, social division and economic challenges, we need initiatives that foster love, understanding, hope and peaceful coexistence.”
The cleric, who was quoted as having made this revelation at the launch of the Psalms 1-150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project in Osogbo, Osun State capital, described spiritual songs as a potential panacea for insecurity, social division, hopelessness and moral deterioration.
He said the spirit of the Song of Psalms can inspire young people to choose hope over despair, unity over division and positive commitment over destructive behavior.
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“We call on governments at all levels and world leaders to recognize the importance of peacebuilding, youth empowerment, cultural inclusion and moral development to address insecurity.
“The fight against insecurity must go beyond security operations to address the social and moral conditions that contribute to violence, including hopelessness, intolerance and hatred,” said Kola-Idowu, adding that “the messages of the Psalms can serve as spiritual encouragement and moral inspiration, promoting the values of peace, justice, righteousness and love.”
“We must pray that the 2027 general elections do not divide us, but rather strengthen our commitment to unity, justice and peaceful coexistence,” he said, while urging religious leaders to preach peace and discourage their followers from engaging in electoral violence.
Evangelist Kola-Idowu, however, emphasized that the Psalms 1–150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project is more than a musical initiative, but a movement to preserve languages, empower youth, promote peace, celebrate diversity and unite people of all nations through worship.
Kola-Idowu hinted that the Global Concert will bring together established and emerging gospel singers, worship leaders and choirs from Africa, Europe, Asia, America and other parts of the world, starting with online participation before expanding to physical concerts in different countries.
Through the participation of famous ministers such as evangelist Bola Are, Yinka Alaseyori, Woli Agba and Mike Abdul, along with numerous gospel singers, the project seeks to inspire a new generation of worshipers.
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