As part of his 51st birthday celebration, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday spent hours with pupils and students of different schools in Agege giving pep talks and advising them to be their best at all times.
This is as the lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly pledged to equip Oyewole Secondary School, Agege with computers.
Dr. Obasa, who announced financial support to some of the pupils and students, told them that they can become successful and better in life if they make commitments to their studies, dedication and passion for education part of their lives.
“Our being here is an investment for the future because you, our children, will always remember this event and it would motivate you to be great,” he said.
He told the students that they could achieve their dreams of becoming leaders in their chosen professions as the world is big enough to accommodate them.
“You can fulfil your dreams if you worki hard. You can be governor of Lagos or president of Nigeria.
“Lagos as it is today can be compared to many places across the world; it is the fifth largest economy in Africa even though we are just a component of a nation.
“What do you have to do? Read your books. If you don’t cultivate the reading culture now, it will be difficult by tomorrow. You must read ahead of your examinations.
For the female students, be the pride of your parents and the society. Don’t allow the pressures of society deceive you.
“My principal back then would always tell us, ‘pray less, read harder, because prayers alone cannot make you pass your examination’,” he said while noting that Agege, which he represents at the House of Assembly, has produced great men helping to shape society.
Addressing the students, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olayunji-Bello, said while growing up, she never thought she would become a professor.
Urging the children to be hardworking and practise integrity, she advised them not to be discouraged by their parents’ financial conditions as they work towards their future.
“You must strive and do your very best. Any one can be a vice chancellor. All you have to do is be serious. It doesn’t matter what course you take, just ensure you do it well,” she told the students.