Catholic priest urges youths to shun peer pressure
August 21, 2026 2:34 am
A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja, Michael Ajogu, has urged Nigerian youths to resist peer pressure and take responsibility for decisions that will shape their future after secondary school.
Ajogu gave the advice while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Valedictory Service of Premiere Academy, Abuja, held to celebrate the graduation of 87 students of the 2025/2026 academic session, according to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.
Speaking on the theme of post-secondary school life, Ajogu said graduation marked the beginning of a new phase that would require self-awareness, independence, discipline and sound decision-making.
The priest warned the graduates that the freedom that comes with leaving secondary school also brings responsibilities and challenges.
“Post-Secondary School life is a chapter that no teacher will write for you, no parent can fully control, and no friend can live on your behalf. From today, many of the decisions that will shape your future will be yours to make.
“Outside, there is freedom, but there are also storms, pitfalls and responsibilities. Freedom is beautiful, but freedom without wisdom is dangerous. That is why you need courage,” the statement quoted.
Ajogu urged the youths to develop the courage to make the right choices even when faced with pressure from their peers.
“True courage is having the strength to do what is right when doing what is wrong looks easier; it is refusing to follow the crowd when the crowd is heading in the wrong direction,” it read.
He encouraged the graduates to remain focused on their goals and make choices that would positively influence their future.
In his welcome address, the Principal of Premiere Academy, Chris Akinsowon, congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold the school’s values of competitiveness, ethics and hard work.
Akinsowon attributed the school’s two decades of success to investments by its board and owners, as well as the partnership between the management, parents and other stakeholders.
“We also thank and congratulate parents for trusting the School and complementing Management’s efforts to provide the best learning environment possible, both during and outside academic sessions,” he said.
The principal pledged that the school would continue to promote holistic education aimed at equipping students with academic knowledge and essential life skills, including confidence, creativity, teamwork and leadership.
The statement concluded that Shukurat Sodiq emerged as the Valedictorian and Most Outstanding Graduand after winning awards in seven categories.
Johnson Idowu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over four years of experience covering politics, education, metro, and environment. He specializes in producing insightful and well-researched reports that inform and engage readers. Johnson’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a dedication to accurate, audience-focused journalism.
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