You’ll face obstacles, failures but adapt to overcome, Prof Onifade charges graduands
The President of the Initiative for Peace and Comfort, Prof. Comfort Onifade has charged graduating students from secondary schools to prepare for challenges and obstacles in life .
She said challenges are part of life and shouldn’t debar from success but empower people to do more.
She gave this charge while delivering her lecture titled “Beyond the classroom: Preparing for and making choices in life” at the Graduation Ceremony of the Alaba Lawson Royal College, Abeokuta on Monday 21st July 2025.
She congratulated the students who had traversed the challenges of senior secondary school and encouraged them to reflect on the memories.
She charged them to be creative, believe in themselves, avoid sexual immorality and trust in God for directions as they navigate through life challenges.
See excerpts of lecture below:
“Your graduation today is only a small part of that plan. The truth is that the decisions and choices you make from now will determine how far you will go in achieving God’s purpose for your life.
“The world is full of possibilities, and you have the potential to achieve greatness. You can pursue your passions, explore new interests, and make a meaningful impact on your community. You can become leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The possibilities are endless, and it’s up to you to seize them.
“You’ll face obstacles, setbacks, and failures. You’ll encounter uncertainty, self-doubt, and fear. But it’s in these moments that you’ll discover your strength, resilience, and determination. You’ll learn to adapt, to persevere, and to overcome.
“The world needs your unique perspective, your creativity, and your talents. You have the opportunity to make a difference, to leave a lasting impact, and to shape the future. You can pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or explore other paths. The opportunities are vast, and it’s up to you to seize them.
“Each of you has within you a spark of potential, a flame that burns bright with possibility. As you journey through life, remember to nurture this spark, to fan the flames of your passion, and to let your light shine bright. As you explore your interests and passions, remember that your purpose is unique to you. Don’t be afraid to take risks, try new things, and pursue your dreams. Your passions will drive you, motivate you, and give you direction.
“In the course of your life’s journey, you would encounter obstacles, setbacks, and failures. Do not be afraid because through them you would discover your strength, your resilience, adaptability and determination. Remember, every great achievement requires perseverance and courage.
“Believing in yourself, trusting God to help you, is the foundation upon which all success is built. When you believe in yourself, you’re more confident, more resilient, and more determined. You’re more likely to take risks, to push beyond your limits, and to achieve greatness. When self-doubt comes, remind yourselves of your strengths, abilities and accomplishments through the power of the Most High God. Believe in your capacity to learn, to grow, and to overcome challenges. When you believe in yourself, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. You become more confident, more determined, and more focused on achieving your dreams. Remember, your dreams are within reach, and with hard work, perseverance, and self-belief, you can achieve anything.
“Your compass in life is the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. You must rely on God for your strength and in all areas. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path” The story of the “Titanic” is instructive for us here. The designer and maker of the ship depended absolutely on the work and safety devices he already fixed in the ship but the very first voyage of the ship ended in disaster. PUT GOD FIRST ALWAYS.
“Life is full of choices. These possibilities, challenges and opportunities will demand your making decisions and choices as well as working hard. Some are easy, such as what to have for breakfast or lunch while others are more serious, for instance, choosing a career or a life partner. Up to this moment you have most of the time been directed to do one thing or the other, like time to get up, to wash your clothes, and so on. As from now especially when you enter into the university or other tertiary institutions, which I am believing in God for you, you will have to make myriads of decisions and choices on your own. Choices of career, relationships, associations, marital and so on.
“There are people today who choose to have money at all costs, they join cults or use diabolical means through ‘yahoo yahoo’ or ‘yahoo+’. Of course, nemesis or karma usually catch up with them, when some of them suddenly run mad and some other terrible things happen to them. May you never be found in that group in Jesus name.
“To the girls: “you are like beautiful and treasured flowers that butterflies visit to suck the honey or juice. Even human beings like to pluck beautiful flowers. What usually happens to a flower that has been plucked? It withers and the sweetness is gone. As soon as you enter the university or other tertiary institutions many people, especially boys or young men will flock to you for different reasons. Some will come to invite you to join Christian fellowships, one Association or another while some will be for ulterior motives. Do not allow anybody to suck the honey and sweetness that God has deposited in you for your husband to be. Both boys and girls should abstain from sexual immorality. It is not only the girls that are expected to be virgins until their wedding day. Boys are also expected to keep themselves pure for their God ordained wives. That was what Joseph did and God created the position that never existed in Egypt for him. True love waits.
“Be curious by maintaining a thirst for knowledge and continue to learn and grow. Be open-minded and willing to explore new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Be resilient as you develop coping strategies and learn from setbacks and failures. Be authentic as you stay true to yourself, your values, and your passions. You are capable of achieving greatness, making a difference, and leaving a lasting impact on the world as you prepare for life beyond the classroom.
While congratulating the graduating students, staff, parents and the proprietor of Alaba Lawson Royal College she prayed that the students will be greater than their parents and teachers.
To the awe and applause of teachers, parents and graduands, she read the popular Yoruba poem “ise ni Ogun ise” in English. See below
“Work is the antidote for poverty.
Work very hard my dear students.
Work/labour is the major tool for elevation.
If we do not have anyone to lean on, we appear indolent.
If we do not have anyone to support us, we simple work harder.
Your mother might be rich, your father might own a thousand and one horses, if you rely on them, you are close to shame and disgrace. I tell you.
Whatever one does not work hard to earn, usually does not last.
Whatever gain one seriously labour for, usually last with one.
Your arm is kin
The elbow is a sibling
If you have money
The world will still love you tomorrow or if you are in a prestigious position.
The world will celebrate you with smiles, wait till you become poor, the world will grimace at you.
Education also elevates one to higher positions.
Ensure that you acquire it well. And if you see a lot of people making mockery of Education with laughter. Please do not emulate or keep their company.
Suffering beckons for the unwise child. Tears are due for the truant child
Do not toy with your Education.
Work hard and plan well because time waits for no one.”
