Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the immediate past vice president of Nigeria, has fervently urged Nigerians, especially Christians and young people, to enter politics as a vital way to influence national leadership and advance significant change.
Osinbajo delivered the call on Saturday while presenting the keynote address at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture, held at The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos. Themed “The Evolving Relationship Between the Church and the Government in Nigeria”, the event brought together religious leaders, policymakers, academics, and young professionals to discuss how faith can intersect constructively with governance.
In his remarks, Osinbajo acknowledged the general disillusionment surrounding politics but emphasized that political participation remains the only effective route to shaping a nation’s direction.
“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,” he said.
He warned that apathy toward politics undermines citizens’ ability to demand better outcomes: “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.”
Speaking directly to young Nigerians interested in public service, Osinbajo stressed that enthusiasm alone was not enough. He highlighted the importance of deep preparation, study, and strategic understanding.
“You must study. You must understand how things work. Read biographies; understand healthcare, education and economic systems, particularly in the African context. “Passion without preparation will not yield results,” he said.
He cautioned that many individuals enter politics without a plan or knowledge and, consequently, leave no impact.
On the role of Christians in public life, the former vice president stressed that their involvement should be grounded in spiritual integrity and moral discipline.
“When I speak of a Christian, I mean someone who serves not man, but God. Your service in politics or governance must reflect that. “Our lives must show values like humility, diligence, and service,” he noted.
Osinbajo also drew from his own personal journey to illustrate a life of contentment and gradual progress: “I did not own a house until I was 51. I used my first new car in 1998, long after graduating. Our journey should not be defined by quick success but by the values we uphold.”
He further called on the Church to reclaim its position as a force for moral direction, not materialism.
“The gospel must not be reduced to motivational speaking or prosperity doctrine. Its power lies in its moral authority. We must prioritize giving to the poor, living with integrity, and promoting justice,” Osinbajo urged.
He pointed out that Western nations such as the United States and countries in Europe were built on principles rooted in Christianity—values of justice, service, and integrity. Even civilizations like Japan and China, he noted, studied and adopted elements of these principles.
“The teachings of Jesus Christ shaped the development of Europe and America. Ancient civilizations like Japan and China recognized this and studied those principles. Nigeria’s transformation requires principled, informed, and active participation in the political space.”
He closed with a hopeful assertion: “This nation is not beyond redemption. But change will only come when citizens—especially those with moral conviction and vision—step forward to lead.”
In her earlier remarks, Dr. Tobi Enuwa, daughter of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, described her father as a man who believed deeply in the combined responsibility of spiritual and civic leadership.
“He believed true leadership must be both spiritual and civic, and he consistently urged Christians to contribute to nation-building,” she said.
