In a keynote speech delivered at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture on Saturday, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo urged Nigerians, especially young people and Christians, to deepen their involvement in politics as a means to foster national transformation. The event, held at The Fountain of Life Church in Lagos, brought together religious leaders, policymakers, and youth advocates to discuss the evolving dynamics between the church and government in Nigeria.
Osinbajo acknowledged the negative perception politics holds globally but insisted on its indispensability for leadership and societal influence. “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 disengagement leads to losing the right to complain about governance.
Addressing young Nigerians aspiring to public office, Osinbajo emphasized the necessity of being well-prepared intellectually and morally. “You must study. You must understand how things work. Read biographies, understand healthcare, education and economic systems, particularly in the African context,” he advised. He stressed that passion alone is insufficient without proper preparation and knowledge.
For Christian believers, Osinbajo defined true Christian service as one that serves God rather than man, urging that political engagement should reflect Christian values such as humility and diligence. Sharing from his own life, he noted, “I did not own a house until age 51, and only began using a brand-new car in 1998, years after my graduation,” highlighting integrity and patience.
Osinbajo also called on the church to reclaim its moral authority, cautioning against the reduction of the gospel to prosperity teachings. “The gospel must not be reduced to motivational speaking or prosperity doctrine,” he said, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability both in government and the church.
He concluded by pointing to the historical impact of biblical principles on the development of Western and Eastern civilizations and urged Nigerians to participate actively and ethically in politics to redeem the nation’s future.