EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION: OLUSEGUN ADENIYI – THE 8TH EDITION OF RECALP SUMMIT, 13TH JUNE, 2022.

THE 8TH EDITION OF RELATIONSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, CAREER, LEADERSHIP AND POLITICS (RECALP) SUMMIT 2022 (POWERED BY YAYA RCCG LP 19, REGION 11).

THEME: EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION.

FACULTY SPEAKER: OLUSEGUN ADENIYI (CHAIRMAN, EDITORIAL BOARD, THISDAY NEWSPAPER).

TOPIC: OF INFLUENCE, INFLUENCERS AND POLITICS.

DATE: 13TH JUNE, 2022

“Learn from People who have experienced what you are going through.”

With that, let me appreciate our Mummy, Evangelist Gloria Bamiloye, for the wonderful works she and her husband (Evangelist Mike Bamiloye) are doing at Mount Zion Faith Ministry.

I also want to appreciate Pastor Ituah Ighodalo (I believe he is joining us).

And Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe, whose words I’ve also followed; but will meet here today for the very first time.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I don’t know why I am asked to speak about Politics. I am not a Politician: I have never been one. I am a Journalist.

I hope Pastor Femi Aminu (PYP, YAYA, RCCG LP 9) did not invite me because I reside in Abuja, where Delegates gather to decide our future, after collecting Dollars.

If that is the reason, I am sorry, I am going to disappoint this Audience today. Because I am not going to speak about APC, PDP, APGA, Labour Party, etc. Or about 2023 General Election.

I have decided to title my brief Presentation here this morning: “OF INFLUENCE, INFLUENCERS AND POLITICS.

… That was why I said Pastor Charles Kpandei Probably saw my Scripts.

That is the Title of my brief Presentation – Of Influence, Influencers and Politics.

But before I go to the substance of that Intervention; let me say briefly that, it is important that Young People be interested in Political Party Participation.

And by that I don’t mean just getting your PVC (Permanent Voter’s Card) and voting: You must be interested on how the Candidates of the Political Parties emerge.

Because, if at election time you are Presented with “Hopeless Candidates” from which you cannot make irrational choice, then your PVC will be of no use.

On my way here this morning, the Young Man who came to pick me asked me a Question about the Readings of the Candidates of the two (2) leading Political Parties and the Place of Young Nigerians in Politics.

I shared my thoughts with him. But I could also understand his Point;

As I wrote in a recent Column – “When the Process of electing Candidates is compromised; and the People have already been rigged out.”

Because, at the Election Proper, the Electorate will be left with no real choice. That is why Young People must be involved in the Process.

We may argue that for 2023 General Elections, that the Process is already over since the Parties have nominated their Candidates for various Offices. But there are many elections ahead!

There is nothing Preventing Young People (that I see in this Room today or reading now on the Label of DMC) from joining Political Parties; and seeking Offices of Promoting Good Candidates.

But I am delighted by the enthusiasm being shown in Political Participation and the Campaign to get Nigerians to register for Votes.

The 2023 General Election is very crucial because Nigeria is going through a Period in which we must ask questions from those who seek our votes.

We cannot continue to elect those we expect to lead us into Peace and Prosperity on the basis of Ethnic or Religious sentiments:

We must know how they intend to revive the Economy, reposition critical Social Sectors like the Education and Health. While the Character of such People is also important.

And the Person we send to the State House of Assembly or the Government House in our State is as important to our collective Welfare as the man we send to Aso Rock.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I have said that I am not here to discuss Politics;

But to the extent that Politics is essentially about human interactions and seeking some sort of Power to achieve set goals; it is something we can’t avoid.

What I have decided is to look beyond Political Parties in Nigeria. To focus on a New Industry that has been created around the Social Media. It is within that context that I want to look at Politics this morning.

I am talking about those People who Peddle Influence and are called Influencers.

I am sure we have many in this room today – People who are regarded as Influencers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and all the other Social Networks.

… Because they can nodge their followers in certain direction.

Whether they know it or not, they Trade in Power! And that is Politics.

In fact, the ordinary meaning of the word “Influence” is the Power to Provoke Action or Commitment, without any form of Cohesion.

In the book – “Political Influence” edited by the late Edward Banfield; one of the most respected American Political Scholars; who was also an Adviser to President Richard Nixon, General Ford and Ronald Reagan.

Influence is set to denote, and I quote him (late Edward Banfield): “One’s ability to get others to act, think or feel as one intends.”

A Major who Persuades others to approve a bond issued, exercises Influence.

A Businessman whose Promises to support, induces a Major to take Action, exercises Influence.

I am delighted that in Nigeria, Young People are also getting that Message – As we saw with the ENDSARS Protest.

Celebrities in Nollywood and Music are getting involved in issues; lending their Star Power for Political Engagement.

… And this leads me to the first Question:

1. WHO IS AN INFLUENCER?

According to Warren Geyser, Influencers in Social Media are those (and I quote him):

“People who have built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on specific topics”.

They make regular Posts about that Topic on their Preferred Social Media Channels, and generate large followers of enthusiastic, engaged People who Pay close attention to their News.

Warren Geyser added, “I love Social Media Influencers because they can create friends and encourage their followers to buy Products they Promote.”

What we can take from that is that – These Influencers Possess the Power to affect the behaviour of Others, or the Choices they make.

This is an asset that Corporate Bodies, and even Politicians leverage on – It is Power, it is Politics!

And that is what many People on Social Media crave – They want to be Influencers.

… And that again leads me to the Second Question:

2. HOW DO YOU USE YOUR INFLUENCE?

Even in Biblical times, there were Influencers – One of such Influencers was Salome, the daughter of Herodias.

She danced so well at the Birthday Dinner of King Herod, that the Monarch asked the young woman to ask for anything – Even up to half of his Kingdom.

Quite Natural, she went to her mother for advice – “What should I demand?” She asked. Her mother seized the opportunity to settle a long held grudge, by telling her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist.

The young woman went back to the Banquet Hall and made her request – King Herod was bound by his own Oath; and John the Baptist was beheaded.

You can find that Story in Matthew 14:1-11.

… That is Influence at work!

However, Influence is not always Negative as we can see in another Biblical Story.

This time a little Maid – We can find that Story in the Book of 2 Kings Chapter 5.

It is the Story of a successful Syrian Commander who had won several battles. But then, it was recorded that he had a disease of Leprosy.

At the suggestion of the servant girl (of his wife) Naaman reluctantly went to see Prophet Elisha. And he was cured of his Leprosy.

… That was also Influence at work!

It is on this Note that I would want to Pose the third and last Question to the Young men and women that are seated here today:

3. WHO AND WHAT IS INFLUENCING THE CHOICES YOU MAKE?

That Question is important, because we are daily Preoccupied with so many things. Such that it is sometimes difficult to make right choices based on our Personal Beliefs and convictions until we seek the endorsement or Approval or Validation of somebody else.

Influence, according to most Scholars is the focused Application of behavioural Threats that we employ, in order to Change the way things are; or within a given environment, or the way others respond to issues.

And the extent that any man interact with an intending action can trigger an attempt to influence.

It is time to reason that we all Influence on a daily basis – Be it at home, school, or in the office.

What that also implies is that, whenever we have some Personal Objectives to meet, we have opportunities to Influence those around us.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, because we come from different backgrounds, there is the temptation for some of us to believe that Influence is restricted to certain categories of People.

That is what the Social Media teaches us. But that is not true! I do not want any body here to imagine that he or she has no Influence.

The fact of the matter is that we all do! – Though in different degrees. We are all Influencers.

Incidentally, there are also People who believe that their Sphere of influence is Limited; and their Capacity for using Influence to be minimal – That is also not true!

But to challenge such assumptions, each of us must remember that while we may not be able to compel Change in the behaviour of others, we at least can Change our own.

Considering that Influence is a kind of Power that is indirect; mostly unstructured. And it is often expressed not as a Command; it’s effectiveness is always equal to measure.

In his Book – “Man and his Government”; Carl Joachim Friedrich drew a list of People who Influence in the Public Arena to include:

“The Concubine of a Prince, the Butler of a Great Lord, the Father Confessor of a Politician, the Secretary of a Senator.”

What this teaches us is that Influence is sometimes about access.

… And I know it by virtue of a role I Played in an earlier Life at Aso Rock.

These and many more incontinences may be willing Influence over a Particular Person.

While Individuals and Groups may also be Influencing large number of Persons – Whether organised or not. Such that the conduct of the Influence is being altered by those who exercise Influence. And this is done in variety of ways.

Research shows that there are several Positive Influence Techniques – Ethical ways you can get others to take your lead, to believe something you want them to believe, think the way you want them to think, or do something you want to do.

The Message here is Simple – You can by the Power of Personal Example, nudge others in Positive Direction.

But you must also know that you cannot give what you don’t have!

According to our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 6:39 – And He spake a Parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?

… That is a question for us!

From the foregoing, we can see that Influence is not some Magic Power only a few People have; every Person on this Planet exercises Influence all the time.

Influence is Part of nearly every Communication – It occurs in virtually all human interaction.

Influence is also a Skill and so it can be learned.

Influencing effectively requires an Adaptive Mindset.

And influencing effectively across Culture requires a Global Mindset.

People are watching to see how you react to certain issues.

So the Choices you make contribute immensely to your Influence Level – Regardless of the Class of People you are interacting with.

What you should always remember is that People are watching you;

People would rather have you display the Good Qualities you have than speaking to them about it.

And if you don’t have relationship with your Followers you cannot effectively Influence them.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as I try to conclude:

I want you to know that the more you surround yourself with the right People; impacting Change through Influence will be a lot easier than in Isolation.

It will also help you to be a better Influencer in terms of, opinions and other key areas, as you move up the ranking of Leadership.

You all must have heard about the Late Mother Theresa – One of the Greatest Women of our Generation.

Yet she was just a Nun who decided to spend her life caring for the poor, until she died in September, 1997.

Several years after her death, the Legacy she left behind still carries on to this day – Orphanages, Schools and Shelters have been Named in Honour of her Selfless Acts.

… The Lesson is Simple – We can all make a difference in our Community.

She (Mother Theresa) was, and Perhaps still remains a Global Icon and a Great Influencer that was far more Powerful than many Kings and Presidents – Yet she held no Political Office!

As Christians, we must begin to impact our Society.

If you want enduring Followers, then: Seek to be a Positive Influencer; seek worthy Courses and Purposes.

Seek the responsibility of Men/Women who have the respect of People and those who use their Influence for the Good of the People and not for Personal Gain.

Finally, there are: Some Primary Keys to Influence that we must Note:

1. TRUST THE PEOPLE: This speaks of Integrity.

Be consistent with what you do.

3. COMPETENCE IS KEY: And that means, being good in what you do.

If you cannot move yourself to do things effectively, you won’t be able to move the world around you.

3. The Most Powerful Tool for Influence is CONNECTION:

Even when you are the Leader, you should always be connected to your Team.

In his Essay – “Four (4) Ways Christians can Influence the World”; the Late Evangelist John R. Stott argued that no Life ever lived on this Planet has been so influential in the affairs of men like that of our Lord Jesus Christ.

… But Christians are no longer living by the Precepts.

He (Late Evangelist John R. Stott) said that if only we were out and out for Jesus Christ in the Fullness of our Commitment; then we would have more Influence than we currently do.

Using the Metaphor of Salt and Light in the Sermon on the Mount; through which the Lord Jesus Christ Proclaimed: “Ye are the Salt of the Earth” – Matthew 5:13

“Let your Light so Shine before men that they may see your good works and Glorify your Father which is in Heaven” – Matthew 5:16

Evanglist Stott wrote, and I quote – “Jesus Christ teaches about the responsibility of Christians in an Unchristian, Sub-Christian, Post-Christian Society.”

He (Evanglist Stott) emphasis the difference between Christians and Non-Christains; between the Church and the world. And he emphasis the Influence Christians ought to have on the Non-Christain environment.

The distinction between the two (2) is Clear – The world (He says): “is like rotten meat, but you are to be the world’s Salt.”

“The world is like a dark night, but you are to be the world’s Light.”

Like Salt in motifying meat – Christians are to hinder Social decay.

Like Light is to Prevailing darkness, Christians are to illuminate Society and show it a better way.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me now conclude by going back to the Story with which I opened this Intervention – The Politician in Question, like all Politicians, was too taken by his own Self Importance.

But since God in His Infinite Mercy has also Ordained Strength in the mouth of babes and sucklings – Psalms 8:2; the Pupil (in my opening Story) had to remind the Politician that he was not as important to the Society as he considered himself to be.

The role played by that Pupil is important in every Society because, some People would have to summon the courage – Even at great Personal risks to speak the Truth to those in Power.

That is our responsibility as Young People as we move towards the 2023 General Election:

I. We must force the Office Seekers to embrace a New Culture of Debate;

II. We need to know how they intend to tackle the Pressing issues of the moment;

… We need a conversation on:

How to win our Economy of Oil, reduce the size and cost of Governance, revive the Educational Sector, tackle the Security Challenge, find an enduring Solution to the seemingly interruptible Power situation, and several other issues.

Scores of People are being killed daily in different Parts of the Country by sundry cartel of Criminal gangs.

What are their Strategies for tackling these menace?

I am delighted that Members of your Generation have decided to engage in the Political Process, by lending their voice Influence to Prevail in the direction of our Country.

For Government to best reflect your Need, it is up to you to get involved in Politics and make a difference. But you have to act!

… Perhaps, because I am a Reporter, I learn Lessons from every seemingly mundane things:

In the Brochure in your hands for today’s Programme (which I received on my way here) there is an MTN advert at the back.

The Message there says – “Doing doesn’t stop till it gets what it wants.”

When opportunity comes and you can see it, Doing answers!

When everyone else is still thinking, Doing is already done!

The the question: WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY?

That is the Question I leave you with this morning!

The Destiny of Nigeria is in your hands; but to Change the narrative, you must work for it no matter what anybody may say!

Let me tell the Young men and women that are still in this room today or reading now on the Label of DMC:

… And I want to say it in the Language of the moment, so that it can sink in:

“EYIN LOOKAN! (Meaning – You are the Next in Line).

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank You very much for listening!

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