Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has urged Nigerian youths—particularly Christians—to actively engage in politics as a vehicle for national transformation.
Speaking on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at two separate events in Lagos and Abuja, Osinbajo stressed the need for principled, prepared, and value-driven leadership.
At the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture held at The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, Osinbajo stated, “Politics is the only way you can influence a nation.” He lamented the quality of political participation in Nigeria, noting that many enter public service without adequate preparation. “Politics has a bad name because many go into it without knowledge, and they achieve nothing,” he said, urging youths to study governance and understand policy areas such as health, education, and economics.
The former Vice President emphasized that political service must be rooted in values like humility, diligence, integrity, and justice, urging the church to play a more active role in promoting transparent and accountable leadership.
Later that day in Abuja, Osinbajo met with members of the Global Shapers Community, a youth network of the World Economic Forum. He encouraged politically aware youths to bridge the gap with peers in rural and semi-urban areas to build more inclusive political movements.
Sharing personal stories of modest beginnings, Osinbajo sought to inspire young Nigerians to pursue public service with patience and purpose. His message aligns with ongoing calls for inclusive leadership following recent Democracy Day reflections.
