“The online world where the sun does not set is different from the real world where there is day and night. Not everything you see online is true.”
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A former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola has advised graduating students of the University of Ilorin against the quick-money syndrome.
Fashola, a former governor of Lagos State, gave this advice while delivering the 40th Convocation Lecture of the university on Wednesday in Ilorin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture’s theme was “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World.”
He cautioned the students to steer clear of individuals flaunting extravagant lifestyles without revealing the sources of their income.
“There is no easy and fast money anywhere without consequences, and the consequences always lead to misery, regret, and sometimes irredeemable damage.
“Don’t let that happen to you.
“The road to prosperity is often long, predictable, and requires you to prove yourself, not only by hard work but also by character and integrity.
“In 30 years from now, when some of you stand where I stand today, you will repeat similar advice to those who will be sitting where you sit now,” he said.
According to him: “knowing right from wrong is not difficult; when you do something wrong, your instinct wants to hide, but common sense will tell you that you are doing the wrong thing.
“Of course, one thing you will have to come to terms with is that the real world is different from the world of gloss and perception you see on social media.
“The online world where the sun does not set is different from the real world where there is day and night. Not everything you see online is true.
Fashola said that advancements in Artificial Intelligence have empowered individuals to manipulate and influence thoughts and actions.
He urged the graduating students to be cautious with handheld devices.
“Social media can be a useful tool to reach people for work, businesses, and to showcase whatever positive things you undertake.
“It is a balanced place to advertise the positive part of you, not your body parts.
“I urge you never to use foul, abusive, or hate language on social media. What you post there will forever be credited to you,” he said.
