Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Johnson Olawumi (retd.), has advised Nigerian youths to avoid making politics their main source of income, warning that doing so could leave them vulnerable to manipulation and control by political sponsors.
Speaking at a political gathering in Osogbo, Osun State, organized by Pelumi Olajengbesi in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, Olawumi encouraged young people to focus on developing valuable skills, building successful careers, and becoming financially independent before seeking political office.
According to him, politics should be viewed as a platform for service rather than a means of survival. He noted that many respected leaders earned public trust through achievements in their professions long before entering politics.
The retired Army General stressed that a solid career provides stability and relevance even after leaving public office. He warned that politicians who rely solely on politics for survival often struggle to maintain influence once they leave power and may become dependent on political godfathers or sponsors.
Olawumi explained that financial independence allows public officials to stand by their principles and serve with integrity, free from undue pressure or interference.
He, however, clarified that his remarks were not intended to discourage youth participation in politics but to encourage young Nigerians to enter public service from a position of strength, experience, and self-reliance.
Source: Adapted from a report by The PUNCH.
