Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has charged 2016 graduands of the Babcock University in Ogun State to prepare for leadership roles in Nigeria, stressing that the country is looking up to them for solution to her problems.
Ikpeazu, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the 14th Undergraduate and 5th Postgraduate convocation ceremony of the university in Ogun State, commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria for the vision in establishing the university.
“32 years ago, I had this opportunity at the university of Maiduguri to participate in a convocation ceremony as a graduand. Today, it is your turn. As graduands of this prestigious institution, I want to remind you that Nigeria is looking up to you to provide leadership. The future of Nigeria is in your hands. Take the opportunity that is before you today to make a difference.”
Ikpeazu, who spoke on the challenges facing Nigeria, said: “Nigeria today, is looking for the solution to our economic problems. We want solution to the killing of Fulani herdsmen, we want to quell the issue of insurgency orchestrated by Boko Haram, we want a solution to the Avengers that are avenging in the Niger Delta, and the leadership of the country today appears to be confused on what to do, and they are looking up to you. Therefore, this is an opportunity for you as leaders of today, and not leaders of tomorrow. Do not shy away from the calling for you to serve Nigeria. You must decide the way forward, because the responsibility has fallen on you.
“I want to commend the Seventh-day Adventist Church In Nigeria for the vision to establish this institution that has produced people that are making Nigeria proud in their various areas of endeavour.”
The governor, who vowed to be an ambassador of the university and the church, said: “As a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and a stakeholder in this institution, I promise to be your ambassador, even as a governor.
“I will carry and proclaim the Three Angels Message as recorded in the Bible book of Revelation, which is one of the cardinal messages of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I promise never to disappoint you as your ambassador serving as a governor in Nigeria,” he said.
