Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, has urged Nigerian youths to stop depending on politicians for money and instead focus on offering value, ideas, and skills that can help develop the country.
Speaking on Saturday in Abuja during the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria themed, “The Place of Nigerian Youths in the Political Discussions of 2027 and Beyond,” the minister said many young people only engage in politics for financial gains instead of contributing meaningful ideas.
“A lot of people don’t look at the vision; they look at immediate gratification. That’s why people come to campaigns just for money. After the campaign, that’s the end. They don’t contribute ideas,” he said.
Wisdom stressed that youths should learn to approach politicians with ideas and solutions rather than demands for money.
“So, let’s have something we want to discuss. If you go to a politician and don’t discuss ideas, if you put money first, the politician may give you money, but will ignore you next time,” he added.
According to him, young Nigerians must focus on nation-building, leadership, and self-development instead of fighting political battles for leaders.
“So, it’s time for the youth to work for the betterment of the country. Our leaders don’t fight themselves; only the youth fight themselves to please the leaders,” he stated.
The minister also encouraged youths to acquire skills and support one another, insisting that youth inclusion in governance is necessary and not a favour.
