Dele Momodu warns younger generation that politics is not a virtual contest.

Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation magazine, has urged Gen Zs to acquire in-depth political knowledge in order to take control of the country's government, emphasizing that politics cannot be reduced to a social media game.

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This call to action was made as Momodu was honored with the Library Ambassador award by Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Wednesday, as part of the festivities marking this year's Library Week.

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Momodu, who served as a guest reader at the event held at the Oduduwa hall, presented one of his articles on the passing of Michael Jackson to an audience comprising the vice-chancellor, students, and other key university officials.

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In a conversation with journalists following his presentation, Momodu underscored the significance of seeking knowledge, stating that it liberates individuals from the shackles of political oppression and poverty.

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He noted that Gen Zs have the advantage of leveraging technology as a means to acquire knowledge, rather than allowing it to be a distraction, and thus, should utilize this opportunity to gain knowledge and break free from the cycle of poverty and political subjugation.

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Momodu acknowledged that the country faces numerous challenges, but expressed optimism that as people become more informed about governance, they will be less likely to blindly follow politicians, and that through reading about global politics, he has come to understand that these challenges are a necessary part of the journey.

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He advised Gen Zs to engage in extensive reading, as this would enable them to comprehend that the political scenarios played out on social media are not reflective of real-world politics, and that while theory is important, there is a limit to its application, and practicality should be the ultimate goal.

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Momodu characterized politics, particularly presidential elections, as a high-stakes contest, where individuals would fiercely compete, as the outcome is often a winner-takes-all scenario, and the president of Nigeria wields considerable power, with control over the judiciary, legislature, and other key institutions.

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Earlier, in her welcome address, University Librarian Dr Olukemi Fadehan explained that the reading event aimed to cultivate minds, foster curiosity, and instill a lifelong love of learning in attendees.

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Dr Fadehan emphasized the enduring importance of reading in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and information overload, as it sharpens perspectives, deepens understanding, and connects individuals to a broader world, facilitating the birth of ideas, preservation of cultures, and sustenance of innovation.

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Dele Momodu and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, were both conferred with the Distinguished Ambassador of the Library Excellence and Royal Father of the Library Excellence awards, respectively.