Jonathan Urges Youths to be Good Citizens

Students and young Nigerians have been urged to imbibe virtues of good citizens in order to drive positive change in Nigeria. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan gave the charge at the 15th year anniversary of Aduvie International School as well as graduation ceremony in Abuja weekend.

Jonathan told the students that as leaders of tomorrow they ought to be good citizens of the country, strive to be on top always and maintain top position wherever they go. He said, “You don’t have to be self centred, thinking only about yourselves. You need to be conscious of other people and their feelings. You need to be diligent and upright and not want to embezzle money that belongs to the common good.

“You need to think of other people not minding their tribes and their religions. Be good citizens in everything you do consider your neighbours and consider the interest of the general public”.

“Consider every member of the society in whatever you do. I charge you to be good citizens that can lead us tomorrow. You must not be tribesmen. You need to be honest as nobody wants to associate with a dishonest person. That’s your commitment and you need to keep them”.

Former President Jonathan Congratulated Aduvie for 15 years of growth and greatness considering the humble beginning of the school adding that getting to the get to this level shows real commitment and hard work.

He commended the governing board, PTA, teachers and other staff of the school for their commitment to the growth and dedication in mentoring the students.

” I commend the teachers and other staff for their dedication to duty and mentoring the students. I also appreciate the parents and guardians, for the proper upbringing and commend the Students who are at the centre of academic endeavour for their achievements so far. In a keynote address, Comrade Ene Obi of ActionAid Nigeria reflecting on tue theme for the ceremony, “Aduvie Repositioning for New Possibilities,” said it becomes clear that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, the threshold of a new era, a time when the youths have the potential to shape the destiny of the nation, to rise above the challenges that lie before them, and to seize the opportunities that await.

According to her, “We are faced with stark realities, where: 20M children of school age, are not in school:140M Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty: Poverty is at an all-time high of 33%. This means that, for every 3 adult you see on the street, 1 of them do not have a job.

“We have to do something and as students, you are growing, acquiring this beautiful education to bring solution to Nigeria and other global challenges, including things like finding cure for cancer and HIV/AID.

To the graduating students, she said they have reached a significant milestone in their lives, have completed a chapter of their journey that has been marked by hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

“But as you stand on the precipice of a new chapter, I urge you to remember that this is not the end of your learning journey. It is merely the beginning. I challenge all the girls that are here, that you can set record, break barriers and contribute in equal footing with your brothers and the other boys. Education is a strong tool that can be used to open several doors, so let us use and use it well” she added.

In her remarks, the Proprietress, Dr. Mrs. Ayima Lott-J said the school provides a platform of growth, not only for students but for teachers and other non-academic staff who have excelled in their chosen fields and built careers even beyond Nigeria. “As an institution, we are faced with many challenges, but these are not insurmountable. We have addressed them with your support, patience and understanding.

“One of our major strengths is our family-friendly, student-centric, and all-inclusive approach; So I implore you, please do not relent in your efforts as we continue to provide a conducive learning and work environment for all”.