Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has advised young Nigerians to acquire knowledge and discipline before venturing into politics.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture held at The Fountain of Life Church in Lagos, Osinbajo said that politics should be approached with preparation, not just enthusiasm.
“You must study. You must understand how things work,” he told the audience. “It’s not enough to have passion. Without preparation, you’ll produce no meaningful results.”
He noted that many people enter politics without plans or an understanding of governance and end up making no impact. “Leadership demands more,” he said. “Read biographies. Understand how healthcare works. Learn about education and economic systems, especially in the African context.”
Osinbajo acknowledged the public’s growing distrust of politics but argued that political engagement remains essential. “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.
To Christians, he urged them to apply their beliefs in politics. “When I speak of a Christian, I mean someone who serves not man, but God. Your service in politics must reflect that,” he said.
He called for integrity and humility in public life and shared personal experiences to underline that material success should not define one’s goals. He recalled not owning a house until he was 51 and getting his first new car years after graduating.
He criticized the focus on wealth and motivational messages in some churches. “The church’s true strength is not in wealth, but in its moral authority,” he said. “We must focus on giving to the poor, living with integrity, and demanding justice.”
He said that countries like Europe and America developed after adopting values from biblical teachings and mentioned that Japan and China also studied these ideas. “Even Japan and China studied these principles,” he said.
He ended by saying Nigeria’s problems are not irreversible. “This nation is not beyond redemption,” he said. “But change will only come when people with vision and conviction take up the responsibility of leadership.”
Earlier, Dr. Tobi Enuwa, daughter of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, said her father believed Christians should take part in nation-building. “He taught that Christians should not sit on the sidelines when it comes to nation-building,” she said.
The memorial lecture, themed “The Evolving Relationship Between the Church and the Government in Nigeria,” focused on faith, leadership, and civic participation.
