Politics Won’t Pay the Bills — But Work Will

Sometimes I joke with my friends that if money made from politics was a perfume, half the youth would be choking by now. Because everywhere you turn, someone is “aligning,” “mobilizing,” or “waiting for appointment.” I always laugh and tell those closest to me one thing: may I never make my money from politics.

Why? Because I’ve seen too many young people missing it. Instead of building, they are chanting. Instead of creating, they are waiting. And sadly, most of the people they are chanting for, when the lights go off and the cameras disappear, don’t even remember their names.

It’s painful to watch, because I know how much potential we carry as a generation. The energy, creativity, and resilience of young Nigerians could build enterprises, products, and ideas that outlive any election cycle. Yet, in my state, every conversation still ends up in politics. Every gathering echoes with “tani baba ni ile yi?” (“who’s our godfather in this area?”). Meanwhile, the real questions, how do we create jobs? how do we solve basic needs? how do we make life better? — are left hanging in the air.

And here’s the irony: even those who get close to power soon realize it’s not what it looks like on the campaign poster. Power tastes sweet for a while, yes, but it fades. After four or eight years, reality sets in. The convoys disappear. The crowd stops cheering. And too often, there’s nothing sustainable left behind — no structure, no system, no real legacy.

That’s why I never envied that path. I’ve never been drawn to the euphoria of “being close to government.” I didn’t get the thrill. And honestly, I’m grateful for that. Because it pushed me to chase something that lasts longer than political seasons, something that builds, not just trends.

The Yoruba have a saying: “Ìdí iṣẹ́ ẹni ló mọ ẹni” — one is known by their work. That’s the truth that has shaped my perspective. Our true value isn’t in who we follow, but in what we build.

That’s why I’m drawn to business, not just for profit, but for purpose. Because every business that solves a problem is a form of leadership. Whether it’s a small enterprise empowering artisans, a logistics company helping traders move goods faster, or a startup simplifying access to basic services — these are the real agents of change. They create jobs, inspire hope, and prove that development doesn’t always come from the top. Sometimes, it starts in a small shop, a co-working space, or a mind that refused to give up.

Our generation must rise to that call. We must stop chasing temporary applause and start investing in things that last, our skills, our ideas, our innovations. Because politics might bring you recognition for a season, but work will build your relevance for a lifetime.

So, my prayer is simple:

May we be remembered not for who we followed, but for what we built.

Written By @OBAAdeyemiO