Osinbajo to young Christians: Faith alone won’t fix Nigeria, join politics

DDM News

Former Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has issued a passionate appeal to young Christians in Nigeria to actively engage in politics.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Osinbajo made the call during his keynote speech at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture held at The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos.

He emphasized that political involvement is not merely a civic duty but the only legitimate path to leadership and meaningful change in any society.

According to him, young Christians must no longer sit on the sidelines during elections or policymaking but must become a vital and decisive bloc in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Osinbajo noted that while politics in Nigeria and around the world is often marred by corruption and a bad reputation, disengagement only worsens the situation.

He pointed out that refusing to participate in politics equates to surrendering one’s right to determine the kind of leaders and policies that govern the country.

“Politics has acquired a bad name, not just in Nigeria, but across the world,” Osinbajo said.

“But the truth is, there is no other way to influence a nation except by engaging in the political process,” he added.

He explained that societal progress has always come through political leadership, and it remains the engine through which laws, policies, and social interventions are driven.

Osinbajo urged his audience not to allow the perceived dirtiness of politics to deter them from taking up leadership roles and contributing to national development.

He warned that leaving politics in the hands of the unprepared and uninformed often leads to misgovernance and systemic collapse.

“If we are not involved in choosing leaders, shaping policy, or participating in political parties, then we forfeit our right to complain when outcomes don’t reflect our values,” he said.

The former vice president stressed that true political engagement must go beyond enthusiasm and be grounded in deep knowledge and strategic preparation.

He called on aspiring leaders to invest time in reading, research, and learning about public systems in order to make informed decisions and propose viable policies.

“You must study. You must understand how things work. Read biographies, and understand healthcare, education, and economic systems, particularly in the African context,” he advised.

Osinbajo cautioned against shallow participation in politics, describing it as dangerous and counterproductive.

He argued that entering public office without adequate preparation often results in the destruction of functional systems instead of building better ones.

“It’s not enough to have passion. Without preparation, you’ll produce no meaningful results,” he concluded.

The lecture, held in memory of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, founder of The Fountain of Life Church, attracted several political, religious, and civil society figures.

Many attendees praised Osinbajo’s speech as a timely call to action, especially for Nigerian youths disillusioned by repeated failures of governance.

Political analysts say Osinbajo’s remarks reflect growing concerns over voter apathy and the lack of youth representation in Nigeria’s political space.

In recent elections, young people have made up a significant portion of registered voters, yet their participation and representation remain low in political offices.

Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, has long struggled with leadership deficits, corruption, and governance failure at various levels.

Faith-based communities, particularly churches, have historically shied away from active political engagement, often viewing politics as a corrupt arena.

However, Osinbajo, himself a pastor and professor of law, continues to advocate for a values-driven approach to politics, especially among Christians.

He believes young Christians, equipped with education and integrity, can help redefine leadership in Nigeria and challenge the status quo.

His speech also echoes similar calls by civil society groups urging Nigerian youth to move from online activism to real-time participation in the political process.

Observers say that with the 2027 general elections on the horizon, such calls could inspire a new wave of youth-led political engagement across the country.

For now, Osinbajo’s message serves as a reminder that disengagement is not a solution and that meaningful change requires participation, knowledge, and commitment.

DDM will continue to track youth political participation and provide updates on emerging leadership movements within faith-based and civic platforms.

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