Abuja Cleric Counsels Graduates: Resist Negative Influence, Own Your Future

Reverend Michael Ajogu, a Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Abuja, recently implored young Nigerians to stand firm against peer pressure and consciously make choices that will define their trajectories beyond high school. This counsel was part of his keynote speech delivered during the 2026 Valedictory Service at Premiere Academy, Abuja, an event marking the successful graduation of 87 students from the 2025/2026 academic year. Details of his address were released to The PUNCH in a statement on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering on the theme of life after secondary education, Father Ajogu highlighted that graduating signalled the start of an entirely new chapter demanding self-awareness, independence, discipline, and astute decision-making. He cautioned the graduating students that the newfound freedom accompanying the completion of secondary school also brings with it significant duties and obstacles.

“Post-Secondary School life is a chapter that no teacher will write for you, no parent can fully control, and no friend can live on your behalf. From today, many of the decisions that will shape your future will be yours to make. Outside, there is freedom, but there are also storms, pitfalls and responsibilities. Freedom is beautiful, but freedom without wisdom is dangerous. That is why you need courage,” the statement conveyed from the priest.

Father Ajogu further encouraged the young attendees to cultivate the bravery needed to consistently choose correctly, even when confronted with peer influence. “True courage is having the strength to do what is right when doing what is wrong looks easier; it is refusing to follow the crowd when the crowd is heading in the wrong direction,” the statement elaborated. He concluded by urging the graduating class to maintain unwavering focus on their aspirations and to consistently make selections that would positively impact their forthcoming years.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chris Akinsowon, the Principal of Premiere Academy, extended his felicitations to the departing students in his welcome remarks. He impressed upon them the importance of continuing to embody the institution’s core values: competitiveness, strong ethics, and diligence.

Mr. Akinsowon credited the school’s two decades of achievements to strategic investments from its board and proprietors, alongside a robust partnership among the management, parents, and other key stakeholders. “We also thank and congratulate parents for trusting the School and complementing Management’s efforts to provide the best learning environment possible, both during and outside academic sessions,” the principal stated.

He further committed that Premiere Academy would persist in fostering a holistic educational approach, designed to furnish students not only with academic prowess but also crucial life competencies such as confidence, creativity, collaborative abilities, and leadership. The statement concluded by announcing Shukurat Sodiq as the Valedictorian and Most Outstanding Graduand, having distinguished herself by securing awards in an impressive seven categories.