Iwo Youths and The Politics | By SAMINU Abass Ola
“If you ever think you are too small to be effective, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito!” — Wendy Lesko
A Land can’t be described as a failure if the elders fail to deliver until the youths trail the same path. One of the violent ways to the destruction of destinies is not when the elders are failing to propagate love, however, until when the youths play the hatred games.
The same agitation of “Lokan” that couldn’t be achieved in the Iwo land was easily accomplished in Ijebu land, Ogun State. Well, this piece is not cooked to treat the Lokan agenda. Once again, congratulations to the incoming governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola. I wish you a prosperous and peaceful tenure.
Without a doubt, I believe Iwo land is blessed with resourceful youths. Youths that can transform and bring developments to the land. They are youths with capacities that can challenge all odds and turn around things. Youths with a digital world that would innovate to bring a positive change. However, it is pitiable enough that the environment is painted with insanity.
When I said the environment, I mean the political environment of the land is sick. I feel disgusted during the just concluded gubernatorial election and its aftermath.
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The political terrain welcomed tensions from the youth of the land. Malicious posts and vicious comments from the so-called the future of the land. Supporters were throwing shades from the political party A to political parties B, C and D. I felt bad seeing at the level my brothers and sisters were going all in the name of winning cheap political points. Though they say politics divides and disengages people, they say politics brings hatred and tension. Unfortunately, the religious leaders who should preach peace and love turned to political elements.
Hatred, curses, divide and rule, disunity and others should not be a path we must follow if we are craving for the greater Iwo Empire as we all clamour for. It is high time we stopped trailing that path. History has proven time over time that the path only leads to a very dark future. With the path, communities will crumble when they take this path.
I believe we can all engage in politics without hatred. Your brother can be in party B and you in party A without fighting him. Your sister can contest a political post, and you are contesting the same post from another political party without waging war or playing dirty games. Our elders or fathers have played those dirty games with no positive results. They have spent years engaging in crude political games with little or no achievement. It is essential for the youths of the land to say a ‘NO’ to the same path.
As the promising future of the land, shun the violent and dirty games in politics. Break the jinx that you can unite with your brother from other political parties. Break the box of the crude political games our fathers have played and have brought less development to the land. Iwo Political terrain must wear a new face. If you can remember that the popular saying “no permanent friends or foes in politics,” therefore, you should not create enmity with your brothers and sisters.
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As youths, you can play your role to stop hatred from political talks and create an environment of open-mindedness and collaboration by educating yourself, listening actively, getting involved, and maintaining a sense of calm in political talks. Money as an instrument being used shouldn’t be a bait to sell your birthright. The token you will be given should not be exchanged for your bright future. Don’t put your life on the line for any political party, violence and hatred lead nowhere than retrogression.
We can disengage self from the view of this politics should tear us apart if it will. No doubt, people love discussing politics, I also don’t dislike it. However, unnecessary tensions rise faster than blood pressure. You need to avoid statements that fuel hatred. To kill off the spirit of hatred when it comes to political talks, you need to be mindful of your words. Refrain from offensive words that can trigger the violent war of words.
Youths should know they have a bright future that must not be tampered with. It is expedient to know that as a youth you are the hope for the better Iwo land, the hope for the Greater Iwo Kingdom. Learn to love your brothers before, during and after the political periods. I know some youths are computerized with an analogue remote of believing that the other brother or sister in other parties is your forever enemy.
Note, the land is not a failure when the elders fail but until YOU fail. I am not saying should not be a loyal member, however, learn to differentiate between being a political slave or loyal to your party. Following the guidelines of your political party shouldn’t preach hatred. Loyalty to your party should not preach enmity among your brothers and sisters.
With the set of youths I have seen in the land, I know the land is guaranteed to be the focal point of development for all other neighbouring cities and states. However, the hatred games, disunity and violent talks about one another will not realize such a dream.
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Learn to be open-minded when it comes to politics. The only key to demonstrating open-mindedness is avoiding defensiveness. Be informed about the happenings to avoid comments that create unnecessary tension. Be open to other people’s viewpoints. Learn to argue with respect and kindness. Instead of shouting, ranting or insulting those who hold different opinions, bow down of the arguments honourably or share your views why you disagree.
Moreover, you should know every political supporter is entitled to an opinion. Don’t raise your voice because your brother has a different opinion. You should not regard it as pointless. Lashing out to your counterpart could be the worst decision when it comes to politics. Stay calm and maintain your composure when you face a different opinion.
In conclusion, don’t just rant on social media, don’t just an armchair politician with noises. Collaborate with others irrespective of their political parties to bring growth and development to Iwo land. Instead of sitting in one corner complaining about this or that, join others by taking actions. Let the new project to make Iwo land great starts with you. Religion or social status shouldn’t be a gap to hinder our coming together to build a Greater Iwo Empire.
“Darkness cannot drive out hate; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King
Don’t wait until you represent the land at any political office before you contribute your quota for the development of the land. Play your part to make Iwo proud wherever you are. Be a good ambassador. Let your name be a reference point to see Iwo land as a blessed land.
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Above all, there are many healthy fights ahead of us. It gladdens my heart seeing many youths of the land rising from different political parties to contest for different seats, BUT we should tread carefully. We can only achieve success when there is love, unity, and cooperation.
You might not value the words posterity will judge you, however, it is expedient to value and protect the name of your family and that of yours as well. Let your name be a golden ride for your coming sons and daughters to achieve success.
God Bless Iwo Youths and Iwo Land.
God Bless Osun State and Nigeria.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Saminu Abass is a motivational writer and content publisher. He is also a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Also, he is passionate about Social Marketing. He believes in the abilities of others and tends to bring out the hidden potentials in people’s lives through his motivational articles and words of inspiration.
