The 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in Kogi State, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, has called on Okun youth in Kogi West Senatorial District to focus on achieving scalable and sustainable prosperity rather than merely seeking short-term political appointments.
Braimoh made this appeal while speaking as a guest at the launch of the Okun Youth Alliance Movement (OYA Movement) over the weekend. The event, themed “Raising a New Generation of Okun Leaders Through Sensitization, Empowerment, and Political Action,” sought to engage young leaders in discussions on leadership and economic development.
Rather than delivering a conventional speech, Braimoh posed thought-provoking questions to the audience, challenging them to reflect on their future and the collective progress of the Okun nation.
Braimoh questioned the mindset of many young people who view political appointments as the ultimate path to success. He asked, “Should we continue with the mindset of slavery, where we believe others are better than us? How do you think your 100k or 500k appointment will bring prosperity to our society?”
He urged the youth to channel their energy into building sustainable wealth, emphasizing that temporary political positions rarely translate into long-term economic stability.
“Isn’t it a joke to think that getting an appointment will make everything okay? Those who have held government positions in the past—are they truly satisfied now? Have you examined the lives of former officeholders years after leaving government?” Braimoh asked.
Drawing lessons from the Bible, Braimoh referenced the lepers at the gate of Samaria who took a bold step toward survival. He likened this to the need for Okun youth to take decisive action toward economic empowerment.
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“Shouldn’t we have a clear vision that all can see and interpret? A vision that leads to scalable and sustainable prosperity?” he asked.
He also cautioned against the dangers of multidimensional poverty, which he said had damaged intellectual capacity, making many settle for political handouts rather than striving for genuine empowerment.
Braimoh urged young people to break generational cycles of poverty by investing in education and economic self-reliance.
“If your parents couldn’t achieve sustainable wealth, must you continue in poverty? Will you allow your children to face the same struggles you did? Why not equip them with the education and opportunities they need to succeed?” he asked.
He further emphasized that power and success must be fought for, stating, “Nobody owes you anything, and no one will hand you power. You must fight for it.”
Concluding his speech, Braimoh urged the youth to reflect on their long-term legacy rather than short-lived political relevance.
“What is the benefit of political relevance if it does not uplift your society? How much longer will we allow others to dictate our political direction? Shouldn’t we work towards a society where prosperity is shared and sustainable?”
His speech resonated with many at the event, sparking deep discussions on the future of Okun youth and their role in shaping the economic and political landscape of Kogi West.
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