Nigerian youths have been advised to always rely on God and seek to please Him at all times, as that is the pathway to enduring success.
The advice was given during the valedictory and thanksgiving service organised in honour of the outgoing students of Timi Comprehensive College, Surulere, Wednesday.
Admonishing the students to always resist negative peer influence and do the right thing, Michael Anyanwu, chairman of the occasion, noted that the society is full of negative influences and that youths must be wary of those whose motive is to influence them, negatively.
He noted that some parents these days have become negative influence on their children, by arranging mercenaries to sit for examinations for their children and also bribing teachers to award high marks for their children.
Anyanwu lamented that some parents go as far as withdrawing their children from schools that do not believe in assisting students in examination hall, and registering them in those places where the students rely wholly on teachers to pass, even terminal examinations. He said he decided to bring his children to Timi because he discovered that the school consciously impart the knowledge so well that the children stand on their feet and defend themselves in any examination.
Speaking on ‘Nigerian youths and the challenge of the 21st century’, S.A. Gbadamosi, noted that today’s youth struggles between right and too many wrongs, urging however, that no matter the negative pull, those who are determined would also overcome.
Gbadamosi urged the students to fix their eyes on bright future and never allow what they see today to blight their dream. He noted that the technology age has brought with it too many challenges that were never experienced by past generations. He therefore, urged the youth to use technology to better their lives and not to their own ruin.
In their various remarks, Zebulon Agomuo (special guest); Babatunde Atolagbe (father of the day) and Tolulope Ifebogun (mother of the day) advised the graduating students to resist the negative pull from peers and other negative influencers as there are always serious consequences for wrong doing. Reminding them that everyone’s activity here on earth would ultimately receive its complementary reward, the students were urged to aim for the best in life and never allow social crimes to ruin their lives.
They were also advised to see as role models, people who made their marks in their chosen areas of endeavour through dedication to duty and hard work and not those whose sources of wealth and achievements are suspect.
In their speeches, Titus Olagunju (proprietor) and Janet Adepoju (principal) emphasized and urged the outgoing students to be worthy ambassadors of their Alma matter.
Olagunju said that Timi was founded on the principles of the word and fear of God and is committed to giving the pupils sound education. According to him, over the years, the management and staff of the school have lived up to the motto of Timi as “a school with divine distinction.”
Seyi John Salau
