Catholic priest urges youths to shun peer pressure

Catholic priest Michael Ajogu of the Archdiocese of Abuja has counseled Nigerian youths to resist peer pressure and accept responsibility for their future decisions after secondary school. Ajogu addressed the 2026 Valedictory Service of Premiere Academy, Abuja, where he delivered the keynote speech. Referring to the theme of post-secondary school life, Ajogu emphasized that graduation signaled the start of a new phase that demanded self-awareness, independence, discipline and wise decision-making.

He cautioned the graduates that freedom accompanying this phase also entails responsibilities and challenges, adding that many future decisions would be theirs to make. Ajogu highlighted that freedom comes with storms, pitfalls and responsibilities, urging the youths to develop courage to make right choices, even when faced with peer pressure.