The Convener of the Oluyole 4 Oluyole Movement and House of Representatives hopeful for Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oloye Ademola Oyepeju Ara, has called on Nigerians in their late 30s and 40s to rise against what he described as generational neglect and political marginalisation.
In a statement titled “A Wake-Up Call to My Peers: The Forgotten Generation,” Oyepeju said his age bracket had endured some of the country’s most challenging periods, citing economic instability and missed opportunities under past administrations, including those of Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
He noted that while earlier generations benefited from landmark policies such as the free education programme introduced by Obafemi Awolowo, many in his generation grappled with prolonged academic strikes and limited employment opportunities.
Oyepeju also referenced student support initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that most of his peers had already passed the stage where such interventions could significantly impact their lives.
According to him, political elites have continued to dominate leadership positions, leaving younger and middle-aged Nigerians divided and economically strained.
“We are in our late 30s and 40s and still striving for stability. The older generation had structured opportunities, but we are battling just to find our footing,” he stated.
He questioned the continued dominance of individuals in their 50s and 60s in elective offices, urging his contemporaries to demand greater representation and resist being swayed by token incentives.
The aspirant stressed that his message transcends party lines and is aimed at fostering unity, civic consciousness and collective action among his peers.
He concluded by calling for renewed engagement in governance and offered prayers for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oyo State and Oluyole Local Government Area.
