Watch Video Here-Perspectives with Simiat Abaru
Media consultant and communication expert Tobi Joseph has called on Nigerian youths to join political parties, organise collectively and actively participate in decision-making, saying meaningful change requires young people to become involved in the political process rather than remain on the sidelines.
Tobi Joseph made the call during an appearance on Episode 14 of the Perspectives with Simiat Abaru podcast, themed “Youth, Power and the Future of Governance,” where he discussed youth participation, leadership accountability, Nigeria’s value system and the responsibilities of citizens in building a better country.
Speaking during the podcast, Tobi Joseph argued that young Nigerians who aspire to lead must understand how political institutions operate and position themselves to influence decisions from within.
“You are not going to become a leader, a political leader, if you are not playing politics,” Tobi Joseph said, encouraging young people to identify political parties that align with their values, join their structures and learn the processes through which political decisions are made.
He maintained that criticising political leaders from outside the system, without making efforts to participate, could limit young people’s ability to influence governance and public policy.
“If you are not in the room where decisions are being made, when you are only agonising, not organising, you will continue to lament from outside,” Tobi Joseph said.
He explained that political participation should go beyond contesting elections, noting that young people could contribute by joining party structures, building alliances, questioning policies and presenting ideas that address the needs of their communities.
Using a hypothetical decision-making meeting involving 50 people, Tobi Joseph illustrated how individuals who organise around shared objectives could have greater influence over decisions than those who act alone.
He urged young Nigerians to study political systems, understand party ideologies and build the experience necessary to contribute meaningfully to governance.
Leadership and Citizens Must Share Responsibility
Tobi Joseph acknowledged that political leaders bear significant responsibility for Nigeria’s development but argued that citizens must also examine their conduct and contributions to national challenges.
He questioned the tendency to blame political officeholders for every societal problem without considering how individual actions, workplace practices and community behaviour contribute to the country’s difficulties.
According to him, corruption, disregard for traffic regulations, littering and other forms of civic misconduct reflect wider challenges in the country’s value system.
“We fail to look at our own role and our own place in the unfolding Nigerian story. Where is your place? What is your own contribution to the Nigeria that you want to see?” Tobi Joseph asked.
He maintained that citizens must hold public officials accountable while also demonstrating honesty, discipline and respect for the law in their daily lives.
Tobi Joseph stressed, however, that shared responsibility should not be interpreted as an excuse for political leaders to avoid accountability for their decisions and the management of public resources.
“Everything rises and falls on leadership,” he said, emphasising the importance of political will, effective implementation of policies and the ability to drive reforms across government institutions.
Tobi Joseph Highlights the Need for Accountability
During the podcast, Tobi Joseph also discussed the relationship between public trust and the conduct of political leaders, arguing that governments must demonstrate discipline and transparency when asking citizens to endure economic hardship.
He said public officials would find it difficult to convince Nigerians to accept difficult economic conditions if their personal lifestyles appeared inconsistent with calls for sacrifice.
He called for sustained scrutiny of public spending, government policies and the conduct of political officeholders, stressing that the media has a responsibility to question those in authority and provide citizens with credible information.
“The media has a very cogent assignment to continually tell truth to power, to continually hold leaders accountable,” Tobi Joseph said.
He added that effective communication must acknowledge citizens’ concerns and explain government policies without ignoring the effects of economic pressures on vulnerable households.
Calls for a Rebuilding of Nigeria’s Value System
Tobi Joseph expressed concern about what he described as the decline of societal values, particularly the growing tendency to celebrate wealth without examining how it was acquired.
He argued that the glorification of unexplained wealth and extravagant lifestyles could make internet fraud and other unlawful activities appear attractive to young people.
According to him, restoring the country’s value system requires the involvement of families, schools, religious organisations, traditional institutions and community leaders.
He described parents as children’s first examples of leadership and responsibility, explaining that young people often learn from the conduct they observe at home.
Tobi Joseph recalled the example of his father, whom he described as a teacher and civil servant who worked hard and lived within his means to support his family.
He said such experiences helped shape his understanding of discipline, integrity and responsible living.
He also called for stronger civic education, arguing that schools must equip young people with social, emotional and civic intelligence alongside academic knowledge.
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to enforce the law and protect children, Tobi Joseph maintained that families and communities must also play active roles in the moral and social development of the younger generation.
Nigerian Youths Must Take Responsibility for Their Future
Tobi Joseph urged young Nigerians to reject what he described as a victim mentality and a sense of entitlement, encouraging them to take responsibility for their personal development while continuing to demand accountability from public institutions.
He explained that acknowledging personal responsibility does not mean denying genuine economic and social challenges, but recognising the areas where individuals can take action to improve their circumstances.
“I stopped being a victim in my own story,” he said, describing the shift in mindset as an important lesson in his personal and professional development.
He also encouraged young people to pursue mentorship, learn from credible role models, develop their skills and remain committed to continuous improvement.
Reflecting on his own journey, Tobi Joseph said his desire to make meaningful contributions to people’s lives had remained a major source of motivation despite the setbacks and mistakes he had encountered.
He disclosed that he was working on a book expected to explore aspects of his background, experiences and lessons from life beyond the media industry.
Tobi Joseph Expresses Confidence in Nigeria’s Future
Despite the country’s governance and economic challenges, Tobi Joseph expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to improve, urging citizens to combine optimism with practical action.
He maintained that Nigeria’s human capital, natural resources and strategic advantages provide opportunities for growth, but stressed that these must be supported by sound decisions, effective institutions and responsible citizenship.
“The country doesn’t build the people. The people build the country,” Tobi Joseph said, emphasising the role of citizens in national development.
He encouraged young Nigerians to prepare themselves for leadership, participate in political processes and contribute to the development of their communities rather than remain outside the systems that shape public decisions.
The podcast, hosted by Simiat Abaru, also explored the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for younger professionals. During the closing remarks, Abaru reflected on the support and opportunities she received early in her career at Rock City FM, highlighting the importance of established professionals helping others develop.
The discussion concluded with a call for greater youth participation, responsible leadership, stronger societal values and collective action towards Nigeria’s future.
Tobi Joseph’s central message was that young Nigerians who want to shape the country’s future must move beyond criticism, organise around shared goals and take an active role in the political process while continuing to demand accountability from those in power.
Post a Comment