Osinbajo’s Call To Action: Why Nigeria’s Youth And Christians Must Step Into Politics Now”
“Politics Is Dirty” – Or Is It Just Abandoned by the Righteous?
For far too long, Nigerian politics has been likened to a muddy river: polluted, corrupt, and best avoided. But what happens when those with integrity, faith, and vision keep their hands clean by staying far away?
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in a passionate keynote address at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture in Lagos, offered a compelling counter-narrative. His message was bold: get involved or stop complaining.
Themed “The Evolving Relationship Between the Church and the Government in Nigeria,” the event drew thought leaders, youth, clergy, and policymakers—and Osinbajo made sure no one left without a challenge.
“If You Don’t Participate, You Forfeit the Right to Complain”
Osinbajo’s words didn’t tiptoe around Nigeria’s political realities. Acknowledging widespread disillusionment with governance, he affirmed what many Nigerians already feel: politics has a terrible reputation. But he also dropped the truth bomb that it’s the only legitimate channel to power and change.
“There is no other way to influence a nation except by engaging in the political process,” he said, cutting through apathy like a hot knife through butter.
He warned that disengagement hands the reins over to the least qualified. When the morally grounded stay home, the corrupt rise unopposed.
Young People: Be Ready, Not Just Passionate
To Nigeria’s youth, many of whom are fired up by activism or frustrated by stagnation, Osinbajo sent a clear message: Passion alone is not a plan.
“You must study. You must understand how things work,” he said, encouraging a deep dive into policy, governance systems, and even global perspectives.
His advice wasn’t just theoretical. Drawing from his own life—delaying homeownership until age 51 and only driving a new car in 1998—he revealed that principled public service isn’t always glamorous. It’s about legacy, not luxury.
A Message for Christians: Don’t Just Preach Change—Lead It
Osinbajo’s challenge wasn’t just to youth. It was also to Christians, particularly those who separate faith from politics.
“When I speak of a Christian, I mean someone who serves not man, but God,” he said, adding that political engagement must reflect humility, justice, diligence, and service.
He cautioned against the church’s drift into materialism and motivational showmanship. The real gospel, he insisted, should focus on equity, integrity, and care for the poor—not prosperity doctrine and pulpit pageantry.
He reminded the church that its greatest strength isn’t influence over politicians—but moral authority.
Lessons From the World: Morality Powers Nations
Taking a global lens, Osinbajo illustrated how societies that embraced biblical principles—Europe, the U.S., even modern Asia—experienced systemic transformation. Their foundation in ethics, rule of law, and service-driven leadership helped turn them into powerhouses.
Could Nigeria follow that same arc?
According to him, yes. But not without participation—especially from citizens who blend spiritual integrity with civic courage.
Final Thoughts: From the Pew to Public Office
It’s easy to criticize Nigeria’s politicians. It’s harder to become one with integrity. But Osinbajo’s message doesn’t just call for a shift in attitude—it demands a shift in responsibility.
Nigeria’s redemption doesn’t lie in slogans or social media rants. It lies in the courage to run, the discipline to prepare, and the character to lead. Whether you’re a youth waiting for change or a believer praying for better leaders—the message is the same:
Be the change. Join the system. Lead with purpose.
