The Executive Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Hon. (Barr.) Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji, has charged young people in the area to reject cultism, drug abuse, violence and other destructive influences, warning that such activities could derail their educational aspirations and destroy their future.
Rosiji gave the warning on Thursday while presenting free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to indigent students and youths at the Ojokoro LCDA Secretariat.
The Chairman urged the beneficiaries to see the opportunity as a responsibility to work towards a better future, rather than merely as government assistance.
“This is an opportunity, not merely a gift. Please make the most of it. Study diligently, prepare adequately and listen to your teachers and mentors,” she told the students.
She particularly cautioned them against examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism, violence and other negative influences capable of jeopardising their education and future.
According to her, young people must understand that while their circumstances may influence where they begin their journey, they should not allow those circumstances to determine where they eventually end up.
“Your background may explain where you started, but it does not have to determine where you will finish,” she said.
The council boss further challenged the beneficiaries to embrace discipline, hard work, knowledge and perseverance, stressing that youths are not merely leaders of tomorrow but important partners in the development of Ojokoro today.
The Chairman’s warning came as her administration provided free GCE forms to indigent students, in what she described as an effort to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent young people from pursuing their educational aspirations.
She recalled that the council had earlier provided free JAMB forms to eligible youths, describing both interventions as part of her administration’s broader commitment to education and human capital development.
Rosiji also urged the beneficiaries to become responsible citizens and contribute positively to their communities, while promising to reward beneficiaries who possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a way of encouraging responsible civic participation and patriotism among the youths.
Earlier, the Council Manager, Dr. Idowu Daisi Banjoko, commended the Chairman for what he described as her people-oriented and developmental approach to governance.
Banjoko urged the beneficiaries to justify the opportunity by studying hard and coming out in flying colours, adding that there were still more opportunities ahead for young people under the administration.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Education and Library Services, Hon. Busari, urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture through academic excellence and responsible conduct.
For many of the students, the intervention represents more than assistance with examination registration. It is an opportunity to take another step towards their educational goals and a reminder that the choices they make today can either open doors to their future or close them.
