Osun Youths Warned Against Politicians' Manipulation Ahead of Elections

As the Osun state elections draw near, the Rector of The Polytechnic, Iresi, Azeez Adewoyin, has cautioned students and youths in the state against being exploited by politicians for their selfish interests. Adewoyin made this statement during an event commemorating the International Day of Youth in Diplomacy, which was held at the polytechnic's campus in Iresi. According to a statement issued by Akeem Ajao, the Head of the Mass Communication Department and Strategic Studies, Adewoyin advised the youths to prioritize their future and avoid engaging in any activities that could jeopardize their potential. He emphasized that youths should be mindful of politicians who may attempt to use them for their personal gain, particularly during election periods. Adewoyin stated, 'My advice for the youth in this political period is for them to be conscious of their future. They should not allow any politician to use them for inordinate ambition. If any politicians call them for inordinate ambition, they should ask for the children of those politicians. Many of them have their children in the developed world, and they are leaving Nigeria undeveloped.' He further noted that these politicians often neglect crucial aspects such as education, health, and infrastructure, only to seek cheap labor from youths during elections to achieve their selfish goals. The event also featured discussions on the importance of cultural diversity and global unity, with the guest speaker, Dr. Jimoh Olorede, highlighting the need for inter-cultural cooperation and peaceful coexistence. Olorede also addressed the recent attacks on foreigners in South Africa, urging Nigerians not to retaliate, saying, 'They say that two wrongs do not make a right. Two wrongs do not make a Right. Nigerians should not reciprocate even with evil. If South Africans have chosen to take the path of evil, we should choose the path of righteousness. We should try to correct them with our moral values, with our virtues. We should, of course, tolerate them; we should not allow our diversity to divide us.'