Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has emphasized the need for political action to extend beyond the realm of protests, particularly in societies grappling with widespread poverty.
He highlighted the adverse impact that protests often have on informal workers and small-scale traders, who rely on daily income for survival.
Osinbajo shared these insights while delivering the keynote address at the Technology, New Media, Citizens, and Governance Conference (TNCG) in Lagos on Thursday.
“Political action must transcend the temporary euphoria of protests. It must result in measurable, tangible outcomes; otherwise, it risks being counterproductive,” he stated.
The former vice president also addressed the critical role of the elite in fostering meaningful societal change, urging them to take responsibility for shaping political movements into actionable goals and driving structural reforms.
“The role of the elite in political action is crucial. When I speak of the elite, I refer to civil society, to all of us in this room,” Osinbajo explained. “The elite possess the tools to define clear objectives for political action, articulate grievances effectively, and determine what success would look like in any given cause.
“They also have the networks and resources needed to build coalitions that can achieve meaningful political change. Such efforts often lead to the structural reforms necessary to make a real difference in society.”
Osinbajo further reflected on the dual-edged nature of technology and social media in political movements. While he acknowledged the platforms’ ability to facilitate leaderless coordination and mobilization, he also hinted at the challenges they pose when not harnessed strategically.
“Technology and social media have transformed political engagement, enabling unprecedented levels of participation and coordination. However, we must ensure these tools are used to drive results-oriented action rather than merely amplifying grievances,” he noted.
The TNCG Conference brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and civil society actors to explore the intersection of technology, media, and governance. Osinbajo’s remarks underscored the importance of leveraging these tools alongside strategic action to address societal challenges effectively.
By urging a shift from symbolic protests to substantive reform, Osinbajo called on citizens, especially those in positions of influence, to rethink their approach to political engagement and focus on creating sustainable change.
