Former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has urged the church to play a greater role in politics to help shape the nation.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture in Lagos, Osinbajo said true national transformation requires active involvement from Christians and young people in the political process.
He encouraged citizens to engage meaningfully in politics to influence the country’s leadership.
He said, “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.
“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.”
Osinbajo advised people who intend to go into politics to have solid plans as passion is not enough to win elections or govern the people.
He advised, “You must study. You must understand how things work. Read biographies, understand healthcare, education, and economic systems, particularly in the African context.
“It’s not enough to have passion. Without preparation, you’ll produce no meaningful results.
“Many people go into politics with nothing, no plan, no knowledge, and end up achieving nothing. Leadership demands more.”
He advised young Nigerians not to be in a hurry to achieve success, noting that he graduated from the university at the age of 21 and didn’t own a house until he was 51.
“The young people are in a hurry, that should not be. Then I couldn’t afford some things but today I can afford anything I want,” he said.
He added, “The gospel must be preached in a way that upholds morals and values. The church’s true power lies in its moral authority, not in prosperity. Wealth should be a tool to advance God’s work, not the goal itself.”
On his part, the Senior Pastor of the church, Jimmy Odukoya, said that the life and legacy of his father could be summed up in two words: selflessness and sacrifice.
Also, Jimmy urged Christians to live lives of impact and be agents of transformation in their communities, adding that the church has a responsibility to speak out and engage in national issues.
In her welcome address, Pastor Odukoya’s daughter, Dr. Tobi Enuwa, noted her father’s deep belief in the dual responsibilities of spiritual and civic leadership.
She said, “He believed true leadership must be both spiritual and civic, and he consistently urged Christians to contribute to nation-building.”
