JCI Shoaga Urges Politicians, Religious Leaders to Prioritise Unity

By Abubakar Yunusa

Journalist , author and JCI Senator Gbolahan Wasiu Shoaga has called on Nigerian politicians and religious leaders to refrain from divisive tactics that jeopardergarden threaten the country’s future.

Speaking at the public presentation of his book, ‘Unheard Songs of a Skylark’, during his 70th birthday celebration in Abuja on Saturday, Shoaga emphasised the need for unity and peace to secure a brighter future for Nigeria.

“We need to appeal to our politicians to play less politics with the future of Nigeria,” Shoaga said.

“Our religious leaders [must] play less politics or less religion with the future of Nigeria. If you take those two out, Nigerians are lovely people. We love each other. We don’t care about where you come from.”

Shoaga urged both groups to tone down their rhetoric and focus on fostering unity, stating, “If we do that, I think our future is better guaranteed.”

He highlighted Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, noting that citizens naturally protect and support one another when divisive influences are minimised.

Addressing the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, Shoaga stressed the importance of humility and parental responsibility.

“Anybody that lacks humility lacks good upbringing,” he said, drawing from Islamic and Christian teachings that equate humility with divine elevation.

“If you know everything is temporary, then you will learn to humble yourself. You learn to serve other people rather than waiting for God to serve you.”

The event, attended by friends, family, and mentees, also celebrated Shoaga’s lifelong commitment to mentorship and service.

Dr Steve Ogidan, Managing Consultant and CEO of TIMA Nigeria, described Shoaga as a mentor who has dedicated his life to encouraging younger generations and promoting national unity.

“He is somebody that believes in the unity of this country,” Ogidan said. “That is why we have come together to celebrate him.”

JCI Senator Kunbi Wuraola, the first female National President of JCI Nigeria in 2001, hailed Shoaga as an icon and role model.

“He has left his indelible mark in the lives of so many of us,” she said. “He is generous, full of wisdom, witty, and outstanding. He is always there to encourage and lift us up.”

Rotimi Adewole, Managing Director of Samvic Insurance, expressed joy at Shoaga’s achievements, noting that the book launch marked the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

The immediate past Senate Chair of JCI Nigeria Senate Association praised Shoaga’s spiritual depth and passion for humanity, calling him “a complete human being” and “beautifully created by God.”

Shoaga’s book, *Unheard Songs of a Skylark*, reflects his decades of experience as a journalist and community leader. The celebration underscored his enduring impact as a mentor, advocate for unity, and champion of humility and service.