The Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, has urged young Nigerians to prioritise proper political education, warning that governance cannot be mastered through social media activism alone.
Momodu gave the charge on Wednesday while speaking at the Obafemi Awolowo University Library Week, where he was also conferred with the Library Ambassador Award.
The event, held at the Oduduwa Hall, featured a guest reading session where Momodu read one of his articles on the death of Michael Jackson to students, principal officers, and the Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Speaking with journalists after the presentation, Momodu said knowledge remains the strongest tool for liberation, stressing that ignorance keeps citizens in what he described as political and economic slavery.
He said young Nigerians, especially Gen Z, must take advantage of technology to access knowledge rather than use it only for entertainment or political arguments on social media.
Momodu added that many online political discussions do not reflect the realities of governance, urging youths to combine theory with practical understanding of politics.
According to him, deeper political awareness would reduce blind loyalty to politicians and encourage more informed civic participation.
He further noted that presidential politics in Nigeria is highly competitive and high-stakes, stressing that it should be understood beyond online narratives.
According to Momodu, “We have a lot of problems but through reading about global politics, I know that we have to go through these problems. But I’m hopeful that the more knowledge, our people have about governance, the less we would follow politicians like slaves.
“To my Gen Z, they should read more. If they read more they will know that all the permutations that we do on social media, it doesn’t work like that in politics. We should theorise but know that there is a limit to theory. Rather we should get very practical.
“Politics especially Presidential election is going to be a war. People are going to fight because it’s about winner takes all. And the president of Nigeria is probably the most powerful president on earth because nobody can query him. He controls the judiciary, legislature, the Gen Zs, the city boys and village boys”.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the University Librarian, Dr Olukemi Fadehan, said the reading event was designed to cultivate minds, inspire curiosity, and promote a lifelong culture of learning.
She stressed that in an era of rapid technological advancement and information overload, reading remains essential for intellectual growth, deeper understanding, and innovation.
According to Her, “In an age characterised by rapid technological advancement and information overload, the simple yet profound act of reading remains a cornerstone of intellectual growth and personal development. Reading sharpens our perspectives, deepens our understanding, and connects us to worlds beyond our immediate experience. It is through reading that ideas are born, cultures are preserved, and innovation is Sustained”
Also at the event, Momodu and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, were honoured with the Distinguished Ambassador of Library Excellence and Royal Father of Library Excellence awards respectively.
