Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday urged the 2026 graduating Class of Babcock University to embrace faith, resilience and innovation as they prepare to navigate life’s uncertainties.
Sanwo-Olu, who was the commencement speaker at the university’s 24th Undergraduate Convocation, advised the graduands to work toward contributing to national development.
He made the call while delivering a lecture titled, “Breaking New Ground: Faith, Grit and the Work of New Beginnings”, at the ceremony held in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun.
Sanwo-Olu said graduates must be prepared to chart new paths in spite of challenges.
He described the graduating Nova Class of 2026 as symbols of new beginnings, urging them to live up to their identity by becoming agents of transformation.
According to the governor, breaking new ground requires courage, perseverance and the willingness to act, even without complete certainty about the future.
“Your name is both an identity and a prophecy: a new spirit, a new hope, a new chapter a new beginning,” he said.
He said the world would reward competence, discipline and resilience rather than entitlement, advising the graduates to build on the foundation laid by the university.
“The world will not give you what you believe you deserve; it will only give you what you demand of it,” the governor said.
Reflecting on his own journey after graduating from the University of Lagos in 1988, Sanwo-Olu said uncertainty should not discourage young people from pursuing their aspirations.
He stressed that faith remained more important than absolute certainty when making life-changing decisions.
“You do not need absolute clarity or certainty to take the next step. More important is faith,” he said.
The governor encouraged the graduates to embrace failure as part of growth, noting that setbacks often provided valuable lessons for future success.
“Get used to trying and failing. Life rewards, most of all, the people who rise fastest after failing,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu recounted the challenges he faced after assuming office as governor in 2019, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS unrest.
He said that leadership demanded calmness, adaptability and reliance on expert advice.
The governor said that those experiences reinforced the importance of resilience and informed decision-making during periods of crisis.
“We do not often get to choose what life sends our way; our choice lies primarily in how we respond and adapt,” he said.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, the governor said Lagos had expanded its transport infrastructure, strengthened healthcare and established new universities.
He added that the state had improved public education and grown its annual budget through disciplined planning and sustained implementation.
‘’Meaningful progress requires consistency, rather than the excitement associated with project launches.
“Breaking new ground is unglamorous, it is slow, and it rarely feels historic, while you are living through it,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged young innovators to work with government through structured institutions, evidence-based proposals and public-private partnerships.
He said innovation must be institutionalised to outlive individuals and political administrations.
“Government adopts what is proven. If you want the public sector to embrace your innovation, do not come with a pitch; come with a pilot,” he said.
The governor also urged the graduates to reject mediocrity and the glorification of ignorance, encouraging them to prioritise learning, integrity and substance over popularity.
“Never glorify ignorance or a lack of curiosity. Build your influence on substance, not merely on popularity,” he said.
He encouraged the graduates to remain committed to continuous learning, mentorship and ethical conduct as they pursue careers in different sectors.
“Guard your integrity as your only non-renewable asset. Under-promise and over-deliver,” he said.
NAN reports that Leadership and Service Award was presented to the governor for his outstanding performance and excellence in Lagos State by the management of Babcock University.
Also, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, was given a humanitarian award during the ceremony.
One of the graduating students Oluwafisayomi Ojelere, who finished from the department of International Law and Diplomacy with Second Class Honours (Upper division), expressed gratitude to the school.
Ojelere said, “Celebrating my graduation today is by God’s grace and the support and encouragement of my parents.”
