Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerian youths to maintain faith in the country and live responsibly, despite the prevailing socio-economic challenges.
Speaking virtually over the weekend at an all-night programme organised by the Total Life in Christ Ministry, also known as Olorun Ajulo Outreach, Obasanjo emphasised that integrity and a good name far outweigh any temporary benefits that may arise from compromising moral standards.
The 12th edition of the annual event, held at Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Liberty Stadium Road, Ibadan, was themed “The Needed Man.”
Addressing the theme, Obasanjo urged youths to remain devoted to God in their formative years, stressing that such commitment builds character and prepares them for future responsibilities. He cited the biblical example of Joseph, who rose from prison to the palace through steadfastness and faithfulness, adding that God rewards loyalty and patriotism.
“A man who will bring about meaningful change must be patriotic, possess integrity, and remain positive to live a life of impact,” Obasanjo said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Jerry Akinsola of the Equipping Christian Ministry echoed the former president’s message. He stated that a “needed man” is not a pretender or a morally compromised people-pleaser, but someone bold enough to make difficult decisions for the glory of God.
He said, “The person that is needed is not a pretender. The person who is needed is not someone who is morally polluted. The person who is needed is not someone who is a people pleaser. He must be able to make hard decisions for the glory of God. So, who is the person who is needed?
“The person who is needed must be faithful in service. He must not be shy to do menial things. He must be diligent even when nobody is watching you. So that you’re not somebody who is looking for prominence or who wants to serve only when you will be seen.
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“The person that is needed must be available mentally, physically, to really do what he has to do. Emotionally, you have to be available. He must be intimate with God. You love God. You relate to God. You must be truthful in whatever endeavour the Lord has called you to. Otherwise, you will disappoint yourself, disappoint those who have sent you there. You must be holy. Beware of vices.”
He charged the youths to “Be self-controlled. Flee from anything that contaminates morally. Drugs, alcohol, women, and gambling. Live a holy life. And of course, if you are going to be the one who will be used, you must be flexible. Don’t be rigid. Listen to other people. Be teachable. You must be understanding and wise, emotionally intelligent. And of course, you must be loyal to the Lord.”
On the political scene, the guest preacher said many of those serving in political offices today are not the needed men.
“I don’t want to castigate a total political class. Some of them are not. Some are. We use a brush to tarnish everybody’s not right. But some have not passed the test of being faithful to the Lord in secret. See the politicians and office holders with all the scandals that you hear all around. Billions of Naira, billions of dollars.
“Of course, that shows that they see the office as a place to enrich themselves corruptly. But we also have those who are upright. I know some who diligently want to make things right. They are truthful. They step on toes. They may not do what we want now. But like a parent, you sometimes don’t do what your children want. You look at the future for them. So, let me not say the entire political class, but maybe the majority are on the wrong side”, he added.
He, however, said, “To get it right, if only those of us who know what is right keep doing right. How many matchsticks do you need to set a forest ablaze? If we would do what we ought to do and be tenacious to insist on what is right, in the military, in the school, in the education sector, in business, if we keep doing that, with time, with patience, things will change.”
In her remarks, the Convener of the event, Dr Adenike Victor-Tade, popularly called Mama Empowerment, said the event was convened as a platform to nurture the youths into what they should be in the interest of personal and national building.
She said, “There’s a need to nurture our youth to the kind of taste we want. As parents, as pastors, and as leaders in this nation, we cannot just sit down and blame our youth. They need mentors. This programme is one of the ways we mentor our youth between the ages of 18 and 45. If they are well nurtured, they will become good parents, producing good children, good citizens, and good leaders. As leadership has been a problem for us in this nation, having good leadership starts from home.
“And if there are no parents, mentors, leaders, godly leaders, who can see our youth through, there will be problems. We are already having the result of not having good nurturing. So the objective is, like I said, preparing youth towards becoming godly citizens, good leaders, good entrepreneurs, and of course, godly parents.”
She added that as the nation enters its election year, it is important that youths are properly guided so as not to be used as a tool in the hands of desperate politicians.”
The highlight of the event was a lecture on Coconut cultivation and value chain business, with some youths getting empowerment for further training and business support.
She further expressed the willingness of the organisation to partner with relevant stakeholders in her bid to reach and empower more youths with needed life skills.
