\n\nFormer Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has described politics as a vocation to serve the public rather than a profession to be pursued for personal gain, emphasising the importance of ethics and values in leadership.
Fashola made the remarks during a special programme themed “Empowering Tomorrow: A New Vision for Nigeria” on Channels Television, commemorating Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary. He argued that political engagement should be driven by a genuine desire to improve the lives of citizens rather than a quest for perpetual office or status. 
“For those who have a political dream… politics, for me and for many, is not a profession. It is a vocation; it’s a calling to serve. You can’t be there forever,” Fashola said, stressing that leaders must always prioritise public interest over personal ambition. 
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also highlighted the need for young Nigerians to build solid professional foundations outside politics. He said that acquiring quality education and excelling in other careers helps future leaders bring valuable experience and perspective into public service. 
According to the former minister, leadership requires restraint and a commitment to ethics. He warned that losing sight of these principles can erode the credibility of public officials and undermine trust in governance. Fashola added that individuals in leadership positions should always remember that authority is a responsibility entrusted by the people, not a means to accumulate power. 
His comments come amid ongoing debates about leadership ethics and the role of young people in Nigerian politics, reflecting broader concerns about political motivations and public service culture in the country
