5 young Nigerians speak on going to church since they left their parents' house

I spoke with five young people between the ages of 20 to 30 years about how religious they are and how often they go to church since they moved out of their parent's house.

Dami’s family lives in Lagos, but she has lived on her own for about a year now. 

Her family attends Anglican church but she goes to one of the most popular youth churches in Lagos.

Ever since COVID-19 happened, Dami does not remember when last she went to church physically. She connects online every time there is a church service, but she feels the same connection from physical church attendance when attending online.

“Some people come to church to show off their outfits, to hook up with the opposite sex and to do other things. I don’t care about that. I love the way my pastor explains things and that is why I attend online."

"Formerly, it was always talks of hellfire and not wearing trousers but my pastor explains grace, purpose and how to hear from God. My work with God has gotten better ever since I started attending the church.”

Bernard says it has been two years since he went to church. He grew up Catholic, but right now he doesn’t have a particular church he goes to.

Whenever he feels like he attends any of the numerous churches around him on Lagos Island. He doesn't think his walk with God has diminished by not attending church often.

“I still pray, and God answers my prayers.”

For those who were never inclined to be religious, staying away from their parent’s house offers them the opportunity not to go to church.

Dere was also wary of going to church. He moved to Lagos five years ago. He hasn’t gone to church ever since and he doesn’t intend to, “Religion just isn’t my thing.”

But when he goes home to see his parents, he has to go to church.

Most people stay away from the church they grew up with because it restricts their freedom.

Funto had to go to church every Sunday when he lived with his parents, but nowadays he only goes because his mom berates him about it often. Sometimes, he lies to her about going to church, other times he actually goes to church to avoid an epistle.

 Funto says, “My mother's church will not allow me to wear my hair in dreads or dye it in any colour I want. I do not have the strength to argue with such doctrine.”

What about the little freedoms that come with living alone? Do young people see it as a perk for living alone? Yes, they do.

Funto doesn’t think living away from home makes him act any differently. He doesn't drink or smoke but his girlfriend lives with him now and that's a major difference.

Dere enjoys going out late and not having his mother worry over him.

For Tosin, living away from her parents has allowed her to attend the church she actually wants to go to because she hates her parent’s church. She goes to church more now that she lives alone.

“I love my pastor, and I love going to church. When I decide not to go church, I end up going.”

 Although Tosin's brother still believes in God, he doesn't like going to church, he has tried but it just doesn't work.

Tosin feels people are different. It isn't a crime that people do not like going to church.

In this generation, there seems to be a shift from physical gathering to having a ‘private faith’ or attending church online. Notwithstanding, so many others still attend church. 

Tosin thinks everyone should face their faith and not judge people based on church attendance.