ABSTRACT

Nigeria society is confronted with multiplicity of challenges. Topical issues that draw attention include weak leadership potentials, insecurity, corruption and lack of accountability by most public office holders. Other disturbing issues in the Nigerian society are immoral activities such as cultism, sexual abuse, cyber-crime, indecent dressing, kidnapping, drug abuse, drug trafficking, armed robbery and examination malpractices engaged by most Nigerian youth within and outside the nation. Who is to be held responsible? The government, parent, youth or society? How can this societal menace perpetuated by most youth in recent times be abated? What are the effects of godly parenting in relation to the upbringing of youth in the Nigerian society? It is within this context that this paper examines the effects of godly parenting by Eunice and Lois on Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5 and seeks to draw lessons for youth upbringing in the Nigerian society. The paper employs the socio-historical and descriptive methods, and argues that while the school, church, extended family and society are avenues for socialization, the proper upbringing of the youth lies solely on godly parenting in the family. The paper maintains that although it is the task of government at various levels to provide basic amenities and protect the lives and properties of their citizens, in addition to creating an enabling environment for the citizens, however, the upbringing of youth to abate societal vices lies primarily on parents. The paper recommends that rather than abandoning children in the hands of house helps and day care centres, parents should properly train their children and also be good examples to them in all spheres.