By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Gbenga Adefaye, has said Nigeria needs the participation of energetic and young politicians in various political positions in the next general election.
He disclosed this, at his office, Ogba, Lagos, when a student of the school (NIJ), Olufemi Ajadi, visited him for a declaration of presidential ambition for the 2023 general election.
Adefaye said the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, left office as the head of state at the age of 42, adding that Ajadi’s presidential ambition is a welcome idea which every other youth need to emulate, especially as to be the candidates of House of Senate and House of Representatives.
“I have not encouraged or wished you well because I am the provost of your school, but I have done so as I would do for any patriotic candidates who displayed courage like yours,” he said.
The Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dele Omojuyigbe, said Ajadi had displayed courage and confidence by declaring his will to run for the position of president in the 2023 general election, adding that no aspirants will be called from their homes to run for any positions but they can only make their intentions known to Nigerians by themselves.
“There is power in will and Nigeria is going to a level where someone without a popular platform will emerge as the winner of an election. So, it doesn’t matter if people started laughing at you, just be sincerely focused,” he said.
The former Deputy Provost of the school, Jide Johnson, admonished the aspirant not to be discouraged as he felt that the aspirant would be asked why he had not started his political career from the House of Representatives or House of Senate.
He said the aspirant should join a political party, adding that it is only on a political platform that he can be given leverage to address his manifestoes politically.
The former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Chapter, Qasim Akinreti, told Ajadi that many Nigerians might not have belief in the confidence he had portrayed by declaring his ambition to run in 2023 but the sincerity he showcases in the journey will convince them to have a second thought over his political career.
“I have come to you all as my lecturers today for an official declaration of my presidential ambition and I am highly grateful for the words of encouragement and the political guide you have given me. Thank you, sirs,” Ajadi said.