Catholic priest urges youths to shun peer pressure

A Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Abuja has encouraged Nigerian youths to resist peer pressure and take ownership of their decisions for the future after secondary school. Michael Ajogu delivered a keynote address at the 2026 Valedictory Service of Premiere Academy, a celebration of the graduation of 87 students from the 2025/2026 academic session.

Speaking on the theme of post-secondary life, Ajogu emphasized that graduation marked the start of a new phase that requires self-awareness, independence, discipline, and sound decision-making. He warned graduates that the newfound freedom of leaving secondary school also brings responsibilities and challenges. Ajogu stated that while outside there is freedom, there are also storms, pitfalls, and responsibilities.

He urged the graduates to develop courage to make the right choices even when faced with peer pressure. "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," the priest quoted. 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.

He also attributed the school's success to the partnership between the management, parents, and stakeholders.