LAGOS, NIGERIA —
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called on Nigerian youths and Christians to actively participate in politics and governance, describing it as the only effective path to achieving national transformation and sustainable development.
Osinbajo made this passionate appeal during his keynote address at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture held at The Fountain of Life Church in Lagos on Saturday. The event, themed “The Evolving Relationship Between the Church and the Government in Nigeria”, brought together church leaders, policymakers, youth advocates, and Christian professionals to explore the intersection of faith, governance, and civic responsibility.
Politics: A Tool for Real Change
Speaking to the large audience, Osinbajo challenged the prevailing disillusionment with Nigerian politics, stating that while politics has gained a negative reputation globally, it remains the only legitimate platform for influencing leadership and policy.
“Politics has acquired a bad name, not just in Nigeria, but across the world. But the truth is, there is no other way to influence a nation except by engaging in the political process,” Osinbajo said.
He stressed that youth participation in politics is critical to reshaping Nigeria’s future, adding that staying away from elections, political parties, and public office means surrendering the right to complain when governance fails.
Preparedness Is Key to Leadership
Osinbajo urged young Nigerians to approach politics with intellectual preparation, strategic vision, and moral clarity.
“It’s not enough to have passion. Without preparation, you’ll produce no meaningful results. Many go into politics with no plan and end up achieving nothing,” he said.
He encouraged aspiring leaders to study governance systems, understand policies around education, healthcare, and the economy, and to learn from the biographies of great African and global leaders.
A Call to Christians in Governance
- To the Christian community, Osinbajo highlighted the need to uphold values such as humility, diligence, and service, stating that true political leadership must reflect biblical principles.
- “When I speak of a Christian, I mean someone who serves not man, but God. Your service in politics or governance must reflect that.”
- He also drew from his personal journey, revealing he didn’t own a house until age 51 and only began using a new car in 1998, emphasizing integrity and contentment in public life.
- Osinbajo called on the Nigerian Church to reclaim its position as a moral compass, warning against the distortion of the gospel into mere prosperity preaching or motivational talk.
“The gospel must not be reduced to motivational speaking or prosperity doctrine. The focus should be on giving to the poor, living with integrity, and pursuing justice,” he added.
The Church’s Role in Nation-Building
According to the former Vice President, societies that embraced biblical values experienced rapid development. He noted that Europe, America, and even Asian countries like Japan and China have historically studied the teachings of Jesus to shape their nations.
He concluded by declaring that Nigeria’s redemption lies in principled, informed, and visionary citizens stepping into political leadership.
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“This nation is not beyond redemption. But change will only come when citizens, especially those with moral conviction and vision, step forward to lead.”
Honouring Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s Legacy
In her opening remarks, Dr. Tobi Enuwa, daughter of the late Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, stated that her father believed true leadership involves both spiritual guidance and civic responsibility.
“He believed that real transformation comes when Christians contribute meaningfully to nation-building through both faith and action,” she said.
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