Ajadi to UI students: Join politics, good governance begins with participation

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has charged students of the University of Ibadan (UI) to actively participate in politics, describing youth engagement as critical to reshaping governance and driving Nigeria’s development.

Ajadi gave the charge on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, while speaking at the opening day of the two-day Hon. Odidiomo Students’ Legislative Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Organised by the University of Ibadan Students’ Representative Council (SRC), the summit was themed “The Service Paradigm: Transforming Mindsets for Service-Driven Leadership in Nigeria.”

The event convened students, policymakers and stakeholders to deliberate on leadership, legislative responsibility, public service and the role of young Nigerians in nation-building.

Addressing the students, Ajadi said young Nigerians cannot afford to distance themselves from politics if they truly desire national transformation, stressing that politics remains the most potent platform for citizens to engage government and influence societal direction.

“Students must participate actively in politics because politics is the avenue through which we engage government and influence the direction of our society. If we want to change the negative narrative, we must be ready to participate and contribute our quota to the development of Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that political participation should not be misconstrued as merely a quest for elective office, but as an opportunity for young people to understand governance, interrogate policies, and equip themselves for future leadership responsibilities that will benefit the larger society.

“Good governance is a product of responsible political participation. When people with good intentions join politics, they bring fresh ideas, influence policies and help deliver tangible democratic dividends to the people,” Ajadi added.

The senatorial candidate urged the students to recognise themselves as pivotal stakeholders in Nigeria’s political future, emphasising that the nation needs a new generation of citizens who are willing to be active players in the democratic process rather than passive spectators.

His remarks reinforced the core objective of the summit, which is to expose students to the ethics and responsibilities of leadership and public service.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Dhikrullah Olajide Stanley Adedeji Odidiomo, challenged students to embrace emerging technologies and position themselves for the future.

Odidiomo urged the students to acquire cutting-edge skills in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain and cloud computing, noting that technological competence has become indispensable to education, employment, governance and national development.

He observed that rapid technological advancement is redefining how individuals, institutions and societies operate, creating new opportunities that young Nigerians must be prepared to harness.

The summit provided a robust platform for students to engage thought leaders on political participation, responsible leadership and technological innovation, with Ajadi’s intervention serving as a clarion call for youths to transition from observers of the political process to active participants in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.