Odedeji tasks graduating students on excellence, honesty, resilience

The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Rt. Reverend James Odedeji, has described skill acquisition as one of the most viable means to overcome poverty.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony where 30 students graduated from the Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre of the Diocese of Lagos West located at the Caroline Adefiola Women Centre,Ipaja, Lagos, the Bishop noted that skill acquisition is critical in the present economy, adding that it is better to equip and teach the people how to make money than giving them money.

“Many of these young people come here and want us to give them free money, but we insist on giving them skills that would enhance their livelihood. And it has paid off over the years,” Odedeji said.

Harping on the theme: “Embracing The Future With Skill, Purpose, And Resilience,” Odedeji explained that the event is a launch pad into afuture filled with promises, opportunities and responsibilities, stressing that having a skill is like having a key to adoor of endless possibilities.According to Bishop Odedeji, the training is free.

Quoting the great scientist Louis Pasteur, he said: “Chance favours the prepared mind.’ Your preparation here has given you the ability to shape your own destiny. In a world where automation and technology are reshaping industries, skilled professionals like you will always be in demand—because machines may replace tasks, but they cannot replace creativity, problem-solving, and human touch.”

Odedeji pleaded with the graduating students to work with the mind of excellence, adding that success is not just about having skills, but how you use them.

Urging them to do everything with excellence and integrity, the Bishop said: “Whether you are a carpenter, a fashion designer, an IT technician, a chef, or a healthcare professional, your work should reflect your passion and commitment to quality. A good name, built on honesty and hard work will take you farther than any certificate alone.”

The cleric disclosed that most of the graduating students from the skill centre had first and second degrees before they came to learn a trade.

He, therefore, urged the graduands to be resilient if they want to have lasting success.

Admonishing them further, Odedeji said: “There will be moments of failure, rejection and doubt, but these are not signs to quit. They are signs to grow. Every successful person has faced setbacks. The difference between those who succeeded and those who don’t is persistence. When you face difficulties, remind yourself where you started from, keep learning and keep pushing forward.”

The cleric promised to follow up the new businessmen and womento ensure they succeed by equipping them and also preparing them to be employers of labour.
The Principal of the Centre, Mr. Adelugba Adedeji said the training period in the school was quite rigourous for some of the students who dropped out.

Awards were given to the best instructor and the best graduating student, Kelechi Ajero Gift.
Various start-up items ranging from hair driers, clippers, sewing machines, food mixers and among others were given to the graduating students according to their various skills acquired.

This is the first time students will be trained in the facilities built by the Ladies Christian League Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos. Before now, candidates from the Diocese were often sent to a skill acquisition centre in Abeokuta for training.