Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the graduation ceremony of Nexford University in Lagos on January 26, 2025.
Speaking to over 1,000 graduates, Obi emphasized the critical role of youth empowerment and education in building a productive nation.
Obi expressed his deep commitment to advancing a nation founded on the empowerment of its youth, noting that his presence at the ceremony was driven by this dedication. “My unwavering commitment to building a productive nation, founded on youth empowerment through education, persuaded me to honour the invitation to deliver the keynote address,” Obi said.
He acknowledged the significance of the moment for the graduates, understanding the weight of this transition in their lives. “A single misstep at this stage could have consequences, but I was inspired to share insights that might guide them in their next steps,” he added.
The ceremony featured speeches from distinguished individuals, including Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Bola Adedola, both of whom Obi praised for their impactful words. “Their invaluable advice to the graduating students provided essential insights that would help these young people transition seamlessly into society,” he said, reflecting on their wisdom.
Obi used the occasion to remind graduates of the importance of contributing to societal development. Quoting the Socratic dictum, “the unexamined life is not worth living,” he encouraged them to reflect on their lives and examine their true priorities. “Our academic degrees, leadership positions, and material possessions are ultimately meaningless unless we use them to serve humanity and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our nation,” Obi stated.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Obi urged them to focus on building a nation where opportunities are available to everyone, matched by their skills and hard work. “This is the kind of nation we all deserve, a nation where every individual’s potential can be fully realized,” he said.
The Labour Party presidential candidate also praised Nexford University for its innovative approach to education through distance learning. He commended the university for its flexibility, low cost, and convenience, calling for more support of such educational models. “This is a model we, as a nation, should support and encourage, especially within the tertiary education sector,” Obi remarked, highlighting the success of similar institutions globally.
Concluding his speech, Obi reaffirmed his belief in the potential of Nigeria’s youth, declaring, “By empowering our youth with access to quality education, we are strengthening the very foundation of our nation and taking significant strides toward building the New Nigeria we all aspire to.”
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