As he marked 50 years in the priesthood and clocked 75, Very Rev. Father Joseph Pam Nyam has urged Nigerian youths to shun drugs and embrace discipline, focus, and a clear life path, saying his journey has been shaped by “prayers, perseverance, and tolerance.”
Speaking at a thanksgiving mass held at Fatima Catholic Church in Jos on Wednesday to commemorate the twin celebration, Father Nyam said young people must make deliberate choices early in life to avoid distractions that could derail their future.
In his words “My message to the young people is this: let them be focused, let them be determined, and let them choose a life path or career that will sustain them for the long haul.
“Our children must also avoid anything that will cloud their minds or affect their ability to think clearly.
“That means they must stay away from drugs and anything else that could lead to an unpleasant life. Engaging in such things distorts what God has planned for them.”
Reflecting on his calling, Father Nyam said he has remained true to the vocation he received as a young man, stressing that every individual has a unique purpose designed by God.
“God calls people to different missions—some to be teachers, doctors, housewives, or even farmers. My call was to be a priest, and I have stayed true to that calling for these 50 years.”
Delivering the homily, Catholic Archbishop of Shendam Diocese, Most Rev. Philip Dung, said service remains the heart of priesthood, but lamented that many churches are drifting from core spiritual values.
“The Church today is experiencing betrayals—the Judases are no longer far away. Many churches have turned into houses of comedy instead of holding fast to sound doctrine, spirituality, and morality,” he said.
“But we must continue to hold up men like Father Nyam as examples. His life speaks of sacrifice, discipline, and faithfulness.
Archbishop Dung charged younger priests to emulate Father Nyam’s humility and dedication, describing his 50-year journey as a testament to commitment in the face of trials.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, congratulated Father Nyam on the dual milestone and praised his unwavering faith in God.
“We celebrate the grace of God upon Father Nyam’s life. His journey encourages all of us to stay firm in our various callings. As a state, we must draw strength from faith and continue to pray for peace and unity in Plateau and Nigeria,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by bishops, priests, lay faithful, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the state, all of whom paid tribute to Father Nyam’s legacy of service and spiritual leadership.
