Osun PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Coordinator speaks on youth involvement in leadership and the political process.
Oriontimes Political Desk | November 7, 2026
In an engaging conversation at the Oriontimes studio, Rtr. Amb. Adeolu Timothy Olanrewaju, popularly known as Larry-Jay, speaks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the Lagos development model, youth participation in politics and his personal journey in progressive politics.
Rtr. Amb. Adeolu Timothy Olanrewaju, popularly known as Larry-Jay, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership approach, arguing that Nigeria’s development challenges require long-term thinking, strategic planning and the courage to make decisions whose benefits may not be immediately visible.
Larry-Jay made the remarks during a conversation with Oriontimes at its studio, where he shared his perspectives on governance, political leadership, youth participation and his journey within the progressive political movement.
Speaking on President Tinubu’s leadership, he argued that the President’s experience in Lagos State provides a useful reference point for understanding his approach to economic development and long-term planning.
According to him, the transformation of Lagos over the years demonstrates the importance of forward-looking leadership, noting that the state's economic significance and expanding infrastructure requirements have continued to demand strategic investments.
He also referenced the proposed additional airport project in Lagos, describing it as an indication of the need to anticipate future challenges rather than wait until existing infrastructure becomes overwhelmed.
On the establishment of the Dangote Refinery, Larry-Jay recalled that the project promoter had initially explored opportunities in other parts of the country, particularly the South-South, but that the demands surrounding the proposed investment were reportedly substantial.
He credited President Tinubu and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, with helping to facilitate the investment in Lagos, arguing that the eventual benefits of such strategic decisions demonstrate the importance of prioritising long-term economic opportunities over immediate gains.
"Leadership is about thinking about the future and not just immediate benefits," he maintained.
Youth Participation: 'Power Is Not Given, You Must Go for It'
Addressing the role of Nigerian youths in politics and leadership, Larry-Jay challenged young people to move beyond complaints about exclusion and demonstrate their readiness through preparation, capacity building and active participation.
He maintained that leadership positions are rarely handed to individuals without effort, stressing that young people must be willing to pursue opportunities and pay the price required to attain positions of responsibility.
Using religious institutions as an illustration, he noted that nobody would simply wake an individual from sleep and appoint them the head of a church or force someone to become an Imam without the necessary readiness and commitment.
For him, political relevance requires deliberate preparation, participation and the ability to demonstrate capacity when opportunities arise.
A Political Journey Rooted in Progressive Ideals
Reflecting on his political background, Larry-Jay disclosed that his commitment to progressive politics was influenced by his family's longstanding political orientation, tracing its roots to the political philosophy associated with Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He explained that his father's belief in progressive ideals helped shape his political consciousness and that he had continued to identify with that political tradition.
He further observed that active participation in political processes creates opportunities for individuals to build relationships with established leaders and gradually become part of broader decision-making structures.
Grassroots Mobilisation and Voter Participation
Sharing an experience from his political journey, Larry-Jay recounted how he returned to his village and encountered a situation of low voter participation.
According to him, he took the initiative to mobilise resources to encourage residents to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasising the importance of civic responsibility.
He explained that his mobilisation efforts involved appealing to residents to temporarily set aside their farming and other engagements to participate in the electoral process.
He also spoke about the importance of conducting feasibility studies and understanding the factors affecting voter participation, highlighting the need for deliberate grassroots engagement rather than relying solely on political rhetoric.
His reflections underscored a central argument throughout the conversation: political leadership requires more than ambition; it demands preparation, organisation, participation and a clear understanding of the people.
The conversation offered an opportunity to examine the relationship between political ideology, leadership development and grassroots mobilisation, particularly at a time when youth participation and the future direction of Nigerian politics remain subjects of national discussion.
0 Comments
Join the conversation!
Have insights, corrections, or questions about this news story? Drop your comment below. We value civil, fact-based discussion.