Retired General Johnson Olawumi urges young Nigerians to build careers and acquire skills before venturing into politics.
A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maj.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi (retd), has advised young Nigerians not to depend on politics as their primary source of livelihood, warning that such reliance can make politicians vulnerable to manipulation.
Olawumi gave the advice while speaking at a campaign rally organised by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the re-election campaign of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, in Osogbo.
The retired Army General urged youths to focus on building credible careers and acquiring valuable skills before venturing into politics, describing professional success as a solid foundation for effective leadership.
According to him, politics should be a platform for service rather than a substitute for personal development and professional achievement.
“If your survival depends entirely on politics, it becomes difficult to stand by your convictions. You become susceptible to pressure from political sponsors and power brokers,” he said.
Olawumi noted that individuals with established careers enjoy greater independence and integrity in public service, adding that many respected political leaders earned public trust through their professional accomplishments before entering politics.
He, however, clarified that he was not discouraging youth participation in politics but encouraging young people to enter public service from a position of strength and self-reliance.