Politics
‘If Politics Is Dirty, Let Us Be The Detergent’ – Akan Imoh, Aspirant, Lagos State House Of Assembly
A very vibrant and smart young man, Akan Imoh is taking a plunge into the murky waters of Nigerian politics. He is coming in with new ideas, strategies and solutions, which has young people as a major target. He sat down with our reporter of recent to talk about his life, political ambitions and more.
Enjoy.
Can we meet you?
My name is Akan Imoh. I was born on the 25th of December, 1990, which means I am currently 27 years old. I have lived in Lagos all my life, having schooled, worked and run a business here. I’m a graduate of the University of Lagos, where I studied Political Science and also the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, where I studied Mass Communication.
How was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun for me. I grew up in a house that had lots of love. We were four kids, two girls and two boys. My parents were the best. They made sure we were trained excellently. Two things my parents did that shaped our lives was that we were introduced to God at a very early age and made sure we had the best form of education. I remember one thing my parents always said is ‘train up a child in the way of the Lord, and when he’s old, he’ll never depart from God.’ This helped a lot.
During my growing up age, I never missed church. Sundays and weekday services. My father would bundle us all in his car and take us to church. It became a part of me. Trust me, we all somehow grew up with a deep love for the things of God. Also, for education, my parents didn’t spare any dime. They weren’t so rich, but education wasn’t what they wanted to ration or manage. I went to the best of schools. Very good private schools which were also expensive. I remember several times, I was sent home because I hadn’t paid my school fees. It was a regular feature. I was always at home for a larger part of the school session. But, I always somehow still came out top of the class. These two factors during my growing up age helped shape me to be what I am today.
How did you discover your passion, what challenges did you face in becoming who you are today and how did you tackle them?
Discovering passion is a very serious business (laughs). Today, I am a Politician and a host of other things. How did I find myself doing all these? Simple. First, is understanding that your purpose is in God. It’s not about what you want to do with your life, but, more about what God wants to do with your life. Hence, there’s a need to connect with the father in your discovery stages. Also, there’s a need to experience life. To make sure you never sit at the edge and just watch life pass by. You must get into the thick of things. Some call it ‘trial and error’, I call it ‘trial and discovery’. This is because, the more you do things and get involved, you’ll begin to find out more about yourself and what you can do. For me, I made sure I got the best out of life. I didn’t let anyone tell me I couldn’t do something. I already understood that my life was going to somehow revolve around the media and public life, so, I kept on moving and pushing myself.
As for challenges, the major one was financial. Growing up was not smooth. I was away from school more times than I was in school. I was always sent out for defaulting in fees payment. I grew up experiencing what its like to be poor. This can be a major limitation in a young man’s life. I have come to realize that poverty has a way of messing up with a person’s thinking and reasoning pattern. And so, one thing I did was to begin to work on my psyche. I used to say that I broke out of poverty in my head first before I broke out of it in my pocket. But, its been an amazing ride. With hard work, determination and God on my side, I have been able to surmount any obstacle life has thrown at me.
What motivated you to go into politics?
Hmmm. Politics has always been in the picture for me. Before we even talk politics, lets talk leadership. I think I was born to lead. I have always been at the fore front of things. You put me in the midst of people and somehow, I will just come out as the leader. I have extraordinary organizational and people skills. I was the Head Boy in both my primary and Secondary schools, I was also a major Teen Leader all through my teen age at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Saabo in Ojodu-Berger. Leadership has always been my thing. Now, let’s bring it to politics. It is obvious that we’ve a huge leadership problem in our country. We keep complaining, yet, we don’t do anything about it. I remember when I told my mum I was going into active politics, she nearly had a heart attack. Its not rare to hear people say that politics is dirty and they would never go into it or advice their family or friends to go into it. Now, I ask ‘if we don’t go into politics, how is it ever going to be better?’. I am tired of people who sit back and complain. We have got to move into the system and effect the kind of change we want. Yes, not all of us will run for office, but, what we all need to do is to get involved. Firstly, if you’re above 18 years old and you don’t have a PVC, im sorry to say, you are part of the problem. We must rise and take actions. We must hold our elected leaders accountable. We must ask questions, we must not just allow these people do as they please. Those of us who have decided to contest need your support, and not only support, we need your criticism. Make sure you hold us accountable. If politics is dirty, lets be the detergent.
Tell us a bit about your political ambitions
Yes. So, I intend to contest elections next year. I am aspirating for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, LSHA (Ikeja 1 Constituency. Ikeja 1 Constituency consists of Ojodu-Berger, Omole, Agidingbi, Ipodo, Alausa, Oregun, Olusosun, Onilekekere, Onipetesi & Seriki Aro. I’ve been told several times that I stand no chance, especially because I am not an indigene of Lagos State. When I hear this, I just have one statement as a reply – Development doesn’t have a state of origin. If I’ve lived in this city for 27 years of my life, I think I deserve to be involved in the decision making process of this area.
Now, let me say that I am doing this for all the young people in this country. I am taking a step to take our fight to the place that matters. We need to have a seat at the table. When I get to the State House, I will push aggressively for youth-related bills. By this, I don’t mean all these ones they do where they come and give us jotters and other useless things. I mean creative policies that will better the lives of young people. We have young people with big entrepreneurial dreams, walking around with laptops in their bags and great ideas in their heads. How can we do something to help these ones? Some of them just need a place to work from, can’t we have entrepreneurial hubs or coworking stations? Have we thought about sports and how we could leverage on it to get to foster communal unity, get people off the streets and give them a purpose to live for? Why can’t we work towards setting up a football club (Ikeja FC), which will be poised to begin to play in the Nigerian Football League within three years of creation. This is what governance is about? The people who are voted into the Legislature are supposed to be your representatives, yet, many of us don’t even know them. So, tell me, how are they representing you. I believe that a legislator is supposed to be close to the people, close to the grassroots. You are supposed to know what is going on in your constituency, feel the heartbeat and take the concerns to the center. But, no. we have legislators who are comfortable in agbadas and don’t care about you. When elections are close, they then come out, do one or two things and make people feel like they’ve been working. We are no longer going to be deceived. I leave you with this, accountability and transparency will be the hallmark of my leadership. The power actually belongs to the people, we have to give comprehensive reports to the people who voted us in. I am bringing an open feedback system. This is time for a new kind of governance.
You’ve done a lot for young people over the years, why are you so passionate about this demography of people?
I am a lover of Young people. For eleven years now, I have consistently worked directly with teenagers and youths. I have always had a deep desire to help shape and positively impact young people. In church, I have worked closely with the teenagers and youths for years. This has led me to be a regular Guest Speaker at several events for young people, trained hundreds of them, mentored and still mentors hundreds of young people. I run an NGO, ProjectLEAD, which specifically focuses on capacity development of teenagers. ProjectLEAD has been able to spread its impact wings reaching teenagers far and wide across the country. In 2016, I ran a Skill Acquisition Programme in Ojodu aimed at closing the skills gap for competent persons (target audience were Teenagers and Secondary School Leavers) who can handle Digital Media and Content Creation. This programme, in its first edition had forty teenagers who were being trained for free on courses such as Photography, Graphics Design, Front End Coding, Copy Writing, Social Media Marketing etc. I also founded The Boss Approach, a platform which is focused on Entrepreneurial Leadership and provides advice, opportunities and inspiration for African millennials in business. This platform has been able to reach out to thousands of young people providing content to aid them in their businesses, careers and life in general. I am passionate about this set of people because I believe in the future, and that is why my campaign is themed ‘Create Your Tomorrow’. To me, I believe that the choices we make today will affect our tomorrow. I believe that these young people are the ones who are going to inherit the Nigeria of tomorrow. If we don’t take a step, we wont even have a country to inherit in the first place. I believe that we need to be deliberate about building a kind of future we can be proud of and our children can inherit and be happy.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years’ time, I see myself married to an awesome woman, the very best on earth. I see myself with kids, two or three. I see myself being a key figure in the economic development of Africa as a whole. I see myself being a role model to many young people. I see myself still in governance and politics, influencing key decisions and helping to make the world a better place. I see myself more and more devoted to God and leading a life taught by Jesus.
What’s your advice for youths?
Youths, we can’t afford to continue our siddon-look attitude. Wake up and smell the coffee. Its time to fight for our rights. Go and get your PVC.
How can people follow your campaign?
Its easy. I am @theAkanImoh on Twitter and Instagram. Follow me to read up on my ideas on governance, read about my bio and my political agenda.
OGUN VISIONARIES READY TO HOLD SECOND EDITION OF TOWN HALL MEETING IN IJEBU ODE
As part of its commitment to participatory democracy, Ogun Visionaries for Yayi has announced plans to hold the second edition of its Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, 12th February, at RONTEX Hall Events Centre, opposite the Old Burial Ground, Ibadan Road, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The event is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m.
This was disclosed in a press release signed by Hon. Monsur Oloyede, Chairman of the Planning Committee, who assured that the programme would be one of the best town hall engagements organised by the group.
According to him, the town hall meeting is aimed at bringing together the people of Ogun State—particularly stakeholders from Ogun West—to further enlighten and mobilise support for the 2027 gubernatorial ambition of Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi).
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Adekunle Isiaq Salako, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion, while Dr. Fatimat Oluwakemi Binta Shoge will be the Chair person
The. Mother of the Day is Otunba Dr. Aderonke Kolade Cairo, the Eeta Iyalode Bobakeye Obinrin Akileand Grand Matron of Ogun Visionaries.
The Keynote Address will be delivered by Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, while Hon. Onadeko Onanusi, former Member of the House of Assembly, will serve as Guest Speaker.
The Royal Fathers of the Day are:
Oba Adedotun Odunneye Odusanya, JP, Osijiya II, Olu of Odonselu, Alaro Kingdom, Ijebu and Oba Kazeem Adesina Salami, Ilufẹmiloba I, Osobia, Paramount Ruler of Makun-Omi.
Dr. Niyi Osoba will also feature as Speaker of the Day.Chief Segun Ojolowo Ojuko
The Ogboye of Ota Aworiland
Fmr SSA on housing to Ogun State also will deliever speech that day
Discussants for the programme include Hon. Tola Banjo, Olootu Bolaji Adeniji, and Princess Florence Feyikemi, while Chief Ajiroba Dapo Oke, Register Tai Solarin federal University of education Ijagun, will serve as Chief Reviewer/Rapporteur
The Director-General of Ogun Visionaries for Yayi, Hon. Odunleye Odunjo, will be the Chief Host of the event.
Trump’s Recognition of Remi Tinubu at U.S. National Prayer Breakfast
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Soft Power on a Global Stage: The Symbolism Behind Trump’s Acknowledgment of Oluremi Tinubu in Washington.”
In the often-ceremonial but politically symbolic arena of international diplomacy, moments of public recognition can carry deeper meaning than their brief appearances suggest. Such was the case at the 74th U.S. National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where United States President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a “very respected woman” and highlighting her role as a Christian pastor. The brief recognition, delivered before a global audience of political and religious leaders, has since generated attention in diplomatic and media circles. It was more than a passing courtesy; it represented a convergence of religion, diplomacy and global optics at a time when the relationship between Washington and Abuja is being redefined by security concerns, religious freedom debates and geopolitical interests.
The Moment in Washington. During his remarks at the annual gathering, President Trump paused to draw attention to the Nigerian First Lady seated among the guests. He said: “We are honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, a very respected woman.” The audience responded with applause as the American president acknowledged her presence, noting her pastoral role in one of Nigeria’s largest Christian denominations. The National Prayer Breakfast, held each February in Washington, is a longstanding tradition that brings together U.S. lawmakers, international dignitaries, religious leaders and policymakers for reflection on faith, leadership and public service. For decades, the event has served not only as a spiritual gathering but also as an informal diplomatic forum, where leaders from around the world interact with American officials in a setting removed from the rigid protocols of formal state visits.
Understanding the National Prayer Breakfast.
The U.S. National Prayer Breakfast dates back to the Eisenhower era and has evolved into a major international gathering that blends religion and politics. It is attended annually by members of Congress, presidents, diplomats and religious leaders from various nations. Political scientist Samuel Huntington once observed that “religion and politics remain the most powerful forces shaping human identity and conflict.” While Huntington’s work focused on civilizations and global conflict, the prayer breakfast represents the softer side of that intersection and religion used as a tool for dialogue, diplomacy and symbolic unity. Similarly, Harvard scholar Joseph Nye, known for his concept of “soft power,” argues that influence in international relations is often achieved through attraction and values rather than coercion. In that sense, events like the National Prayer Breakfast are instruments of soft power, projecting moral leadership and fostering personal relationships among global elites. Mrs. Tinubu’s presence at such an event placed Nigeria within this subtle but influential arena of faith-based diplomacy.
The First Lady’s Religious and Political Profile.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu is not only Nigeria’s First Lady but also a former three-term senator and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations. Her dual identity as both a political figure and religious leader makes her presence at a faith-based diplomatic event particularly significant. It allowed Nigeria to be represented not just politically but also spiritually, aligning with the event’s core theme of faith in public life. In diplomatic terms, first ladies often play a quiet but influential role in shaping perceptions of their countries abroad. From Eleanor Roosevelt’s human rights advocacy to Michelle Obama’s global education campaigns, the soft-power impact of first ladies has historically been substantial. Mrs. Tinubu’s recognition in Washington fits into this tradition, positioning her as a symbolic ambassador of Nigeria’s religious and cultural identity.
Diplomatic Context: U.S.-Nigeria Relations.
The recognition comes at a time when relations between Nigeria and the United States have been shaped by security cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts and debates over religious freedom. Reports indicate that the event took place against the backdrop of heightened American concern about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria, an issue that has periodically influenced U.S. policy toward the country. At the same time, both nations have deepened security cooperation against extremist groups, reflecting shared strategic interests in combating terrorism across West Africa. In this context, Trump’s public praise of the Nigerian First Lady could be interpreted as both a diplomatic gesture and a signal of continued engagement between the two countries.
Symbolism and Soft Power.
Diplomatic recognition at international gatherings is rarely accidental. Even brief acknowledgments can carry layers of meaning. First, it signals respect and recognition of Nigeria’s leadership. Second, it places Nigeria in a global conversation about faith, governance and moral leadership. Third, it reflects the enduring importance of religion in international relations, especially between nations with strong religious populations. Nigeria, often described as one of the most religious countries in the world, occupies a unique position in global faith politics. With large Christian and Muslim populations, its internal religious dynamics frequently attract international attention. By highlighting the First Lady’s pastoral background, Trump’s remarks implicitly acknowledged Nigeria’s deep religious culture and the role of faith in its public life.
Reactions and Interpretations.
Media reports across Nigeria described the moment as one that placed the First Lady among prominent global faith leaders attending the event.
Some analysts see it as a routine diplomatic courtesy, while others interpret it as a sign of warming relations or a strategic nod to Nigeria’s importance in Africa. Diplomatic scholar Madeleine Albright once wrote that “symbolism is the currency of diplomacy.” In this sense, the recognition of Mrs. Tinubu was not merely a personal compliment but a symbolic gesture toward Nigeria itself.
Religion and Global Politics.
The intersection of religion and politics is not new. From the Vatican’s diplomatic influence to the role of evangelical movements in American foreign policy, faith has long shaped international relations. The National Prayer Breakfast embodies this intersection. It provides a stage where leaders speak the language of faith while engaging in informal diplomacy. For Nigeria, a country where religion deeply influences politics and society, participation in such events reinforces its global religious identity.
The Optics of Leadership.
In international politics, perception often matters as much as policy. Images of leaders being recognized on global stages can shape public opinion and national morale. For supporters of the Tinubu administration, the recognition may be seen as a sign of international respect and acceptance. For critics, it may be viewed as a symbolic gesture with little practical impact on Nigeria’s economic or security challenges. Either way, the moment underscores how international optics continue to play a powerful role in domestic political narratives.
A Moment Beyond Ceremony.
While the National Prayer Breakfast is primarily a spiritual and ceremonial event, it often carries deeper diplomatic implications. Trump’s recognition of the Nigerian First Lady placed Nigeria momentarily at the center of a global stage, reinforcing its presence in conversations about faith, governance and international cooperation. It also highlighted the enduring role of religion as a bridge in international relations, an arena where shared beliefs can foster dialogue even when political differences remain.
Summative: Symbolism, Diplomacy and the Power of Recognition.
In the theatre of global diplomacy, moments of recognition (no matter how brief) can carry enduring symbolic weight. President Trump’s acknowledgment of Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast was one such moment: simple in delivery, yet layered in meaning. It reflected the intersection of faith and politics, underscored Nigeria’s place in global religious diplomacy and signaled a gesture of respect between two nations bound by complex ties of security, culture and shared values. Whether viewed as routine courtesy or strategic symbolism, the moment illustrated a fundamental truth of international relations: influence is not always exercised through treaties, sanctions or military power. Sometimes, it is conveyed through words spoken across a room, applause from an audience and the quiet power of recognition. As Joseph Nye reminds us, the most effective power is often the power to attract and inspire. In Washington that morning, Nigeria found itself, however briefly, within that sphere of global attention, proof that in diplomacy, even the smallest gestures can echo across borders.
Politics
Ajadi Felicitates Olooye Adegoke On Birthday …Says His Philanthropic Nature Is Worthy Of Emulation
Ajadi Felicitates Olooye Adegoke On Birthday …Says His Philanthropic Nature Is Worthy Of Emulation
A leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has felicitated the Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (FCA) as he marked his birthday on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, describing him as a peace loving and one whose life is dedicated to helping the needy.
Ajadi, in a display of politics without bitterness, said that though Olooye Adegoke is also aspiring to become the governor of Oyo state, he has identified his philanthropic activities which he said showed him as a selfless politician.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Ajadi said that Olooye Adegoke as a fellow Ibadan man, and a person on the Olubadan lineage, he cherished his intellectual background and humility.
According to the statement, “I felicitate with my elder brother, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Ibadan traditional Chief, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke on the occasion of his birthday.
“Though we are both aspiring to be the governor of our dear State, Oyo and we are in the same party, as an Apostle of politics without bitterness, I congratulate Olooye Adegoke on his birthday.
“I wish him more years in good health and in the service of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.
“I have watched with utmost interest and I discovered that the philanthropic activities of Olooye Adegoke tally with my belief that those that have should cater for the less privileged in the society.
“I pray that God will continue to provide for him as he continues to dedicate his life towards making the downtrodden to live good lives.”
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