Former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has advised Nigerian youths to remain in the country despite economic hardships, encouraging them to contribute to nation-building instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
Fashola said this at the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies of Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
Fashola, a two-term governor of Lagos State, acknowledged the country’s challenges but urged young Nigerians to find ways to engage meaningfully and seek decision-making roles.
While delivering his speech, Fashola referenced prominent Nigerians who chose to stay despite facing tough conditions in their youth, such as business mogul Folorunso Alakija and Chief Tunde Afolabi.
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“Why did Mrs. Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi, who has contributed to Nigeria, not run away? Times were equally tough in their younger days.”
Fashola argued that while the economic situation has worsened, the youth’s responsibilities have also grown, positioning them as leaders in Nigerian households.
“Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University,” he emphasized.
Elizade University’s founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress, noting that while financial returns on his investment have been limited, he is fulfilled by the achievements of its graduates.
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“I have been intentionally sacrificial with my investment in the university. My vision has always been to provide world-class education right here in Nigeria,” Ade-Ojo said.
He encouraged the university to focus on research and entrepreneurship training to enable students to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
Elizade University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Ijadunola, reiterated the institution’s commitment to producing skilled, well-rounded graduates capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and technological challenges.