…As AUI holds 4th convocation
Nigerian youths have been charged to impact positively on their society, as it is said that the nation more than ever before is in need of men and women of character who will contribute meaningfully to the development and progress of our country. This was the position of Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, human rights crusader, while delivering the convocation lecture during the 4th convocation ceremony of Augustine University, Ilara, AUI, held Monday, October 24, 2022 at the Convocation Hall, AUI, Ilara-Epe, Lagos. Urging the youths to ask questions about their environment, Falana insisted that they (youths) must challenge the status quo and dismiss the narrative that the country is poor, as he added that Nigeria is one of the richest countries on earth, but the citizens have allowed a few people to corner the resources of the country.
“The youths must ask questions, they must take the rulers to task and challenge them”, he said. Speaking on the threat to the life of youths, especially as it has to do with the #EndSARS protest and its 2nd anniversary on October 20, 2022, he said, “Many young men and women came out to mark the second anniversary of the Lekki killings. The police went as far as throwing teargas at them, which is illegal. “One of the struggles which we have won in Nigeria is that you don’t need any police permit to stage a protest for or against the government. We won that battle in 2007, incidentally though, for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari when they were tear-gassing for not getting police permission. Concerning the 2023 election, he advised the youths to study the candidates and political parties and ensure that they vote for those who are likely to address the problems confronting the country. According to him, “People should not be limited to the presidential election, they must also be interested in those who are becoming governors, legislatures, even council chairmen and counsellors.
Never again in this country should the youths allow politicians who have no business in governance to mess up the country.” He urged youths, women, the physically challenged, among other groups in the country to make concrete demands of politicians just like the workers have launched their charter of demands and they expect politicians to respond to the demands. Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos and Proprietor, AUI informed the new graduates that they are missionaries that Augustine University has prepared to carry out its duty of effecting change in the society. He urged them to be Christ like in value and character, and to be guided by the motto of the University ‘For learning and character.’ Stating that Nigeria needs men and women of character and integrity who will be the change agents to move the country out its problems, the Archbishop advised the graduates to apply the values they have acquired to fight corruption, insecurity and other negative trends in the country.
Prof. Christopher Odetunde, Vice Chancellor, AUI advised the graduates to be good ambassadors of AUI, agents of positive change as they apply all they have leant to make the country a problem free place. He urged them not to be controlled by fear of the unknown as they go in search of their dreams, but to be driven by what they have learnt at AUI, as well as use their God given talent to serve humanity. For Tolefe Emmanuel Chukwufumnaya, best graduating student of AUI Class of 22, he expressed happiness and gratitude to God for himself and colleagues, as he advised that they continue to work hard as they did in school. The first class honours graduate who had a GPA 4.86 urged his fellow graduates to remain united and work for a united country.