Kwara YOWICAN Hosts Political Education Summit for Christian Youths
By Oyewale Oyelola
…As Gbenga Hashim Says “Politics is not money making venture”
Thr Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara State Chapter on Saturday April 19, 2025 hosted youths from 16 local government of the state for one-day political education summit.
The summit with the theme: Arise and Lead: Answering the Call to Serve at Bishop’s Court, Ilorin with former presidential candidate in Nigeria, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim leading Speakers to orientate Christian Youths on political process.
Other Speakers at the event include Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, former Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Yissa Ezekiel Benjamin, Amb Tola Onijala, Sir Ben Duntoye and Rev Cornelius Fawenu
In his address, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim who a prominent politician and devoted Christian Leader from North Central region noted that politics is not a money making venture or get rich quick platform.
Hashim therefore implored participants to develop their capacity and uphold their integrity in order to restore lost glory of the country.
His words: “To become a good leader, your integrity matters most. Protect your integrity and be righteous. Don’t compromise and always maintain a good name that will last for eternity. You must be accountable to the people and to God.
“Politics is not a money making venture or get rich quick platform. Political leadership provides opportunity to serve and impact lives positively. If you want to be wealthy, I will encourage you to venture into business. People who siphoned public funds something end living miserably life after office. Some suffer incurable ailments.”
He advised participants to emulate notable Nigerian leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Solomon Lar, whom he said served the country without compromising their values.
Hashim also referenced the biblical figure Daniel as a model of wisdom and righteous leadership, noting that he served different administrations due to his competence and uprightness.
In his address , former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yissa Benjamin advised Christian youths to play active role in political process from the grassroots and display good virtues.
“You are called to be the light and the salt of the nation. Influence your environment positively by being truthful and honest. Protect the image of Christ and of Nigeria,” Benjamin said.
He said political leadership is an avenue to care are for the less privileged, model peace and justice in society, noting that all these should be normal lifestyle of Christians.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas in her presentation encouraged women in politics to uphold family values and avoid joining bandwagon.
“Being in politics is a call to serve and fight for integrity, not a bed of roses. But with trust in God, you will overcome the challenges. You must be upright and rooted in God to be successful in political terrain.” Thomas added.
Rev Cornelius Fawenu, Sir Ben Duntoye and Kwara CAN Secretary in their speech remarks charged participants to play active role in political process beyond formation of support groups for politicians.
The YOWICAN Chairman in Kwara State, Evangelist Stephen Adeola-Awoyale, said the programme was aimed at awakening Christian youths to their responsibility in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
Awoyale appreciated all the Guest Speakers, Kwara CAN Leadership led Bishop STG Adewole and others for supporting YOWICAN to organise the summit.