Olumide Oworu, a prominent Nigerian actor renowned for his roles in television series such as “The Johnsons” and “Far from Home,” ventured into politics in 2023, aspiring to represent the Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly under the Labour Party. His decision to transition from entertainment to politics was driven by a profound desire to effect meaningful change in Nigeria.
In an interview with entertainment journalist Seun Olekutiyi on the podcast “Nollywood On Radio,” Oworu expressed his dissatisfaction with the prevailing state of the nation. He lamented the decline in various sectors, noting that apart from industries like entertainment and sports, many areas are experiencing a downturn. He stated, “We just need to be a part of our affairs. I want to live in Nigeria, I want to raise my family in a Nigeria that is good, that is a land of opportunities. I know how things were when I was growing up, and it is just sad to see that we are just on a downward spiral.”
This sentiment underscores his commitment to contributing to the nation’s development and reversing the negative trends affecting various sector.
Having grown up in Surulere, Oworu possesses an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by the community. His agenda focuses on community building and human capital development. He emphasizes the importance of assessing and improving the quality of education in existing schools rather than merely constructing new ones. He remarked, “For example, the education sector in Surulere, not building more schools but taking a look at the schools in Surulere. What is the standard of education that the students are exposed to?”
His approach indicates a desire to enhance existing infrastructures and ensure that residents have access to quality services.
Oworu is a staunch advocate for youth involvement in governance. He believes that young Nigerians should take an active role in shaping the nation’s future. He has expressed admiration for leaders like Nelson Mandela, citing his selfless approach to politics as a source of inspiration.
By entering the political arena, Oworu aims to inspire other young Nigerians to participate in governance and contribute to the nation’s development.
Despite his enthusiasm, Oworu’s political journey has not been without challenges. His candidacy became a topic of discussion on social media after his name was not found on the electoral body’s result sheet during the 2023 elections. Ultimately, his senior colleague, Desmond Elliot, who contested on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, won the constituency seat.
Reflecting on the broader political landscape, Oworu has emphasized the need for a change in mentality within the Nigerian government. He advocates for public office holders to view themselves as servants of the people, representing their interests and working towards the common good. He stated, “I think the Nigerian government process needs a change of mentality in the sense that if you are in public office, you are there as a servant, you are there to serve. You are a representative of the people. You are just a microphone to get the ideas of the people into a space that can be used to help these people.
Olumide Oworu’s foray into politics is emblematic of a growing movement among Nigerian youths to take active roles in governance and societal development. His journey reflects a commitment to addressing systemic issues and fostering a nation that offers opportunities for all its citizens. By leveraging his platform and experiences, Oworu seeks to inspire a new generation of leaders dedicated to transparency, service, and community development.
For a more in-depth understanding of Olumide Oworu’s motivations and vision, you can watch his interview below: