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Dr Olawepo-Hashim
Nigerian youths, especially Christians, aspiring to go into politics, have been charged to uphold integrity and the fear of God.
A former Presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo- Hashim gave this charge in Ilorin at a round table talk/ training on political education among Christian youths, organized by the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara State Chapter.
Dr Olawepo-Hashim also charged political leaders to inspire consistent followership through integrity and accountability among the youth.
“When people know that you’re not truthful to your ideals…you gain some attention for some time, but it can’t be sustained.
” You have to be accountable to the people you lead, in terms of the resources that are available to you and your community; and be accountable to God– because whatever happens here, this is not the end of it,” he said.
Dr Olawepo- Hashim, who noted that youths in the country may have been demoralized by lack of exemplary leadership, encouraged them to see those who have delivered good leadership as their role models and build on their achievements.
“I think Nigerian youths are currently demoralized because they have consistently seen failed leadership.
“They are temped to believe that it has always been like this, especially because History has been taken out of the books.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo delivered, Sir Ahmadu Bello delivered, Chief Solomon Lar delivered, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi delivered, and that was why our economy was at the level that was comparable to Malaysia in terms of it’s GDP at that time.
“It was good leadership that made us have assembling plants where we assembled cars and electronics– so, Nigeria has been good before and Nigeria can even be better”.
A former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Pastor Benjamin Yisah, speaking on the topic: “Civic Responsibility and Christian Leadership”, emphasized the need for Christian youths to model the society by being ambassadors of Jesus Christ when given the privilege to serve.
The former Speaker also admonished potential leaders among the Christian youth to shun voter apathy and the mindset of seeing politics as a no-go area, but to see it as a divine mandate to serve the people.
Pastor Yisah
“Just like other professions, when you want to go into politics you must also be called– the way you are called into the ministry or Pastoral work. If you’re not call, you rush in and you rush out,” he advised.
Speaking on the reason behind the programme, Chairman of YOWICAN, Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, stressed the need for political education and full participation, especially among Christian youths.
Evangelist Awoyale charged the youth to make their impact felt by associating with community and political groups, rather than complaining about how things are done.
“We are calling Christian youths into action. It is time for them to partake in politics and stop being apathetic,” he explained.
In a remark, Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, however, advised the future leaders to prepare for challenges ahead.
Drawing examples from the stories of biblical characters like Joseph, David and Daniel, who overcome obstacles to break through to leadership, Mrs Thomas said leadership demands courage, truthfulness and grace of God.
Third Left: Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas
“Being in politics is a call to serve and fight for integrity, not a bed of roses. But with trust in God, you will overcome the challenges.” she added.
Other discussants included Kwara State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Sunday Adewole; Former Kwara State CAN Secretary, Reverend Cornelius Fawenu and former National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr Ben Duntoye.
The programme, which centered on the importance of responding to God’s call for purposeful and faith-based leadership, drew participants from YOWICAN members across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State and women groups.
Story by Bukola Olajide
Editing by Sola Rotimi
