Abstract:
One possible meaning of the Greek word τολμηρήηγεσία (bold leadership) among the ancient
Greeks was bravery and astuteness in managing human and natural resources. In this study, it
is used in the context of fearlessness and willingness of the Nigerian youth to take up
governmental responsibilities in leadership positions, which is achievable either through
demanding governmental appointments or contesting elections for political positions through
a free and fair political election. With the use of exegesis and hermeneutics, this study on
τολμηρήηγεσία refers to Paul’s instruction to Timothy regarding bold leadership in I Timothy
4:11–12. 1 Timothy 4:11–12 is contextually seen as a call on Nigerian youth to adopt as a
prototype; young Timothy who the elderly Paul encouraged in his words, not to allow anyone,
despise his youth. This is to the intent of challenging Nigerian youth to become more proactive
in national politics and governance in order to help Nigeria register its presence in the
competitive global technological and scientific arena.
CONTRIBUTION : The study tries to understand the age influence on Timothy and how Paul tried
to deal with it. This enabled the study to be of use in addressing the challenges that Nigerian
youth go through in order to have their voices heard in Nigerian politics and to also call on the
youth to grow above timidity towards bold leadership.
