By Donald Ugwu
Ibadan – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has advised Nigerian youths to be innovative, creative and cultivate good virtues and hard work for self development.
Osinbajo gave the advice while addressing the 10th Convocation Ceremony of the Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan; one of the growing private tertiary institutions in the country.
He hailed the 590 graduands of the University for their excellence but reminded them that talent and excellent degree did not always translate into success or greatness.
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“Talent, a good degree, even when coming from a well off family does not mean success and certainly does not mean greatness.
“The most talented people, those who get the best degrees, do not necessarily become the most successful in life.
“The difference between success and failure, mediocrity or excellence is character.
“Along with character is the importance of opportunity but perhaps most crucial is the grace of God.’’
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According to Osinbajo, character is a set of values and principles that shape the conduct of an individual.
The Vice President noted that the secret of success in business, social interaction and commerce was trustworthiness.
He said in the past, nations trusted Nigeria but the bad elements in the society abused that trust.
Osinbajo, however, urged Nigerian youths not to be deterred as there were opportunities in the country with recent bold initiatives taken by government.
He further urged the youths to take particular interest in the value of time and chance.
“Time and chance is another way of saying opportunity and that is crucial to success.
“You may be a successful businessman, politician or professional but not great; greatness is not for everyone.
“You will only be great if you devote your life and effort to the service of others,’’ he said.
The Vice President remarked that courage and determination was the answer to tyranny of history.
According to him history of personal failure can cripple ones hope, limit ones scope and frighten one into a small vision.
He therefore advised them to escape from such tyrannical weapons of history.
“Your history is not your destiny, you have a chance to make your destiny and determine what your future will be regardless of what your history is,’’ he added. (NAN)