Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has urged Nigerians, especially Christians and the youth, to reject political apathy and actively participate in governance, stressing that meaningful change can only be achieved through direct political engagement.
Speaking on Saturday at the second annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture, held at The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, Osinbajo declared that Nigerians must embrace politics as a moral and civic duty, not merely as a career path or a means to wealth.
Delivering a keynote on the theme “The Evolving Relationship Between the Church and the Government in Nigeria,” the former vice president said the future of Nigeria rests on citizens who are willing to lead with integrity and are intellectually prepared to solve real-world problems.
“Politics may have a bad reputation, but it remains the only legitimate means to influence the course of a nation,” Osinbajo said. “If we stay out of it, we lose the right to complain about the state of governance.”
He warned against the growing trend of disillusionment among young Nigerians, many of whom have disengaged from political processes due to widespread corruption and poor leadership.
According to Osinbajo, passion alone is insufficient. He urged aspiring leaders to seek knowledge, study systems that work, and understand key sectors such as healthcare, education, and economics — particularly within the African context.
“Many enter politics with no plan or preparation, and unsurprisingly, they achieve nothing,” he said. “Leadership demands discipline, learning, and a clear moral vision.”
Addressing Christians specifically, Osinbajo emphasized that political participation must reflect godly values, and the church must not reduce the gospel to mere prosperity messages.
“Our message must be about justice, compassion for the poor, integrity, and transparency,” he said. “If we demand accountability from government, the church must also be accountable.”
He noted that societies built on biblical values — such as those in Europe and North America — experienced rapid progress not because of religious rituals but due to the ethical framework derived from Christian teachings.
Osinbajo, who shared personal anecdotes about his modest beginnings and late financial stability, said character must define both public and private service.
“I didn’t own a house until I was 51. I didn’t drive a brand-new car until years after graduating,” he recalled. “But public office is not for acquiring wealth. It is for service.”
He concluded by urging the church to reclaim its voice in national discourse — not as a political lobby group, but as a moral compass for a nation in search of direction.
Earlier, Dr. Tobi Enuwa, daughter of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, said the memorial lecture reflects her father’s lifelong belief that Christians must play active roles in both spiritual and civic leadership.
“He often said that our faith should inspire us to build a better Nigeria — not just in the church, but in the public square,” she said.
The memorial lecture attracted thought leaders, clergy, policymakers, and young professionals exploring the intersection of faith, governance, and nation-building.
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