Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has advised graduating students to resist the growing temptation of fast and easy money, warning that the pursuit of instant wealth often comes with painful and lasting consequences.
Speaking at a university convocation ceremony, Fashola emphasized that true success is built over time through hard work, honesty, and perseverance. He cautioned that many young people today are drawn to fraudulent schemes and shortcuts that promise quick financial rewards but ultimately lead to disappointment, disgrace, and sometimes imprisonment.
“Every generation faces its own set of temptations,” Fashola said. “But yours must resist the dangerous attraction of fast money. Genuine achievement requires time, effort, and integrity. When you take shortcuts, you cut short your future.”
He reminded the students that wealth earned through deceitful or dishonest means often collapses as quickly as it comes, leaving behind reputational damage that can take a lifetime to repair. Fashola also pointed out that the constant pressure to succeed and display wealth on social media has made many young Nigerians vulnerable to dangerous and unethical practices.
“The world may celebrate quick success, but real fulfillment comes from steady progress and purpose,” he noted. “Do not let anyone convince you that integrity does not pay. It may not come immediately, but it lasts far longer than anything obtained through fraud or corruption.”
Fashola encouraged the graduates to contribute meaningfully to nation building by upholding ethical values in their professions and communities. He urged them to become examples of responsible citizenship and to focus on using their education and creativity to solve real problems facing the country.
He concluded by reminding them that every nation’s growth depends on the character of its youth. “Nigeria needs young people who are not just skilled, but honest, disciplined, and dedicated. Your generation has the power to change this country, but only if you do it the right way,” he said.
source: dailytrust.com
