Former Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Babatunde Fashola, has advised Nigerian youth to work hard and avoid the temptation of pursuing sudden wealth that could lead to regret and destruction.
Fashola gave the advice while delivering the 40th Convocation Lecture of the University of Ilorin, titled “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World.”
The event was held at the university auditorium in Ilorin, Kwara State.
He warned that the desire for quick wealth often comes with dire consequences, including misery, regret, and irreparable damage.
The former minister urged the graduating students to have the courage to reject negative influences and unethical shortcuts to success.
Fashola also encouraged them to uphold integrity, diligence, and patience in their pursuit of excellence, stressing that success built on hard work lasts longer.
He assured that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government would create better opportunities for young Nigerians willing to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The former Lagos State governor further advised the graduands to project a positive image of Nigeria wherever they go, noting that the country’s reputation rests in the hands of its youth.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), congratulated the graduating students and urged them to become agents of transformation and progress in society.
Egbewole said the university remains committed to nurturing graduates who will drive innovation and national growth.
Reporting by Ali Rabiu