Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that bad leaders will continue to occupy the political space in the country if the youth continue to shun politics.
Makinde said this during the third convocation ceremony of Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, on Monday.
The governor said there was the need for more ethical people to be involved in governance in the country.
Makinde, speaking on the topic “Faith, Leadership and Governance: Preparing the Next Generation for Ethical Leadership in Nigeria,” explained that the more unethical people continued to be in politics, the more the country would experience unethical governance.
He then used the opportunity to charge the graduating students to learn the ways of ethical leadership.
He said, “Most of you, because of what they have deposited in you, don’t want to stain your white garments and you want to avoid politics.
“The problem we have is that the less good people are trying to walk into governance, the more unethical people will continue to thrive. This is because nature would not allow a vacuum. If the good ones are not coming into that space, the space would be filled with unethical people.
“You need to decide the kind of leader you want to be and look around you for good examples of such leadership. Start imitating their ways and actions, which is very key. Also, while surrounding yourselves with quality people, you should learn to listen to good advice. You must have the capacity to listen.
“Ethical leaders know what true leadership means. They know it is about responsibility towards the broader community. That is why Oyo State will always put the people first”.