As the 2027 elections draw closer, the Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike, has urged young people to resist being used by politicians for selfish ends and to uphold integrity in political engagement.
Ogunnaike made the call on Friday at the 3rd Legislative Convergence of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ogun State Chapter, held in Abeokuta. Speaking on the theme “Building a Responsible Generation: How Parental Guidance Shapes Youth Involvement in Politics,” he stressed the need for ethical conduct, responsible use of social media, and active, value-driven participation in governance.
He cautioned youths against spreading misinformation or engaging in smear campaigns online, noting that “politics is not inherently dirty — it is the people who make it so.” Ogunnaike urged young citizens to use their political power positively, adding that every action taken today will have future consequences.
“Whatever you do in your political engagement efforts, be ethical, be considerate, and be ready to take responsibility for your actions,” he said. “Everything you do today will come back to you somehow — to you, your children, or generations unborn.”
Ogunnaike described the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, as youth-friendly and open to constructive criticism. He encouraged youths to channel their energy into productive civic participation rather than online hostility or political violence.
He also appealed to young voters to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and make informed choices in the next electoral cycle, saying responsible participation is the only way to “clean up the system.”
“If you have pigs in politics, you can’t expect anything but dirt,” he quipped. “That’s why responsible and professional individuals must get involved — to clean up the mess and drive real development.”
The youth aide emphasized the growing influence of young Nigerians in shaping the country’s political future, urging them to deploy their exposure, technological expertise, and innovative ideas for national progress.
“We must refuse to be instruments of violence or oppression. The power to shape the future is in our hands — and it’s time to take that responsibility seriously,” Ogunnaike concluded.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Famoyinbo Oluwasegun, National Speaker of YAN, reaffirmed that youth are agents of change and must remain creative, disciplined, and academically focused.
Also speaking, Oniyitan Akinbode, Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter, commended the state government’s responsiveness to youth concerns and pledged continued constructive engagement.
The event also featured the induction of new legislators across Ogun’s three senatorial districts and the investiture of Barr. Geseire Temile as Matron of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter.
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