Each new day our political movement across the Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency continues to gain momentum and it is evidently clear that this great support is not just an outcome of our sincere interaction with the people but also a result of the zeal and determination with which the youth generation have taken interest in our course.
I, therefore, respectfully salute every single person who have had reasons to identify with our movement in the open and in the privacy of their thoughts or actions.
It is crucial for us to examine fundamental considerations of the opportunities ahead of us politically. I must state without the compunction of immodesty that I am in politics to serve. I am here to serve humanity and the common good of the common man. I have identified areas of critical needs and seen the need for someone to stand in the gap for quality leadership. It is this apprehension of our political need, coupled with the conviction of my capacity to serve that persuades and fuels my political drive. That said, it is safe to say others can also serve.
I must not be the only one, you too can serve as a member of the House of Representatives. I do not believe in a self-appointed messiah-kind of politics, I believe opportunities should be open to everyone of us at all points, be it as a youth or a member of the older generation. Leadership is, in fact, not an exclusive preserve of age, status or cultural inclination. In all of this, what is truly crucial is the presence of a genuine intent and capacity to serve the people.
Let’s, however, process some political bargains in light of our peculiarity as an other-wise historically disadvantaged youths in the political process of the Oriade/Obokun federal constituency. The aim, ultimately, is to examine and explore possible areas of advantage for us as youths in the political equation.
May I begin by pointing out the obvious: youths have a non-negotiable pivotal role to play in steering the political affairs of our state and country in the right direction. This generally accepted truth suggests why a great sense of fulfilment will pervade every corners of our community when a youth is placed in a position of political authority. The snail-pace with which our country now barely moves is sufficient reason adduced to rethink our reliance on analogue leadership.
The need to create a balance has never been more acutely felt. We are at the point where we must envision and prosecute a trans-generational accommodation of persons in our political life. I therefore charge us to give the following bargains some thoughts-
1. I am a Nigerian Youth and an active one in the political circle, active in the Youth Leadership Advocacy vanguard and a Social Crusader.
2. The mere fact that I am contesting for the position of House of Representatives in Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency has elevated the political worth and social value of our youth population.
3. The political class now take youths more seriously and treat them to more attention and respect than is usual. Why? Because there is a youth out there banking on a possible generational solidarity, and they see the strength in such unity.
4. Paragraph 3 above is in itself inconclusive. While the strength in such a unity is true and recognised, a lot more work need be done to ensure it is maintained and sustained. Only then can we truly celebrate . They know this also.
5. When I do win the election and perform very well, it will signal a new narrative of the strength of youths in Oriade/Obokun politics. It is possible that the older generation will be discouraged from coming out for the House of Representatives again in Oriade/Obokun.
5. When I do win the election and perform very well, it is also possible that the older generation will feel ashamed to struggle for the two House of Assembly seats in Ijesa North as it would be considered positions for younger ones.
6. If, however, having greatly emphasised our common strength and unity, if besides all our many clamouring and demands we fail to put out an impressive show and succeed, we risk setting the morale of the youth constituency at an all time low.
7. If we overcome , and I strongly believe we will because we simply must! I would have taken upon myself the urgency of our people’s needs AND the necessity of proving the reliability of the youth-force.
All seven paragraphs/bargains above bear a common theme; let’s succeed and carve out exclusive positions for ourselves. By virtue of statutory age limit, youths are effectively left out of certain leadership positions. It is therefore a burning imperative to simply populate and control leadership positions open to us.
Let’s gather around this table of pros- and cons. Let’s examine our options, and where non is immediately apparent, create options for ourselves. It takes a unity of will and determination to succeed in politics; virtues we must all imbibe and live by going forward.
We must encourage even more youth to join the polity train and contest elections. We have an opportunity before us sharpened by recent dynamics in our state and country, and the need to apply new methods and fresh ideas to old problems. The future beckons, we must answer.
Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is an Aspiring House of Representatives Member, Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency and the Principal Partner at Pelumi Olajengbesi & Co. Law Corridor.
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