Ebenezer Obey Urges Graduates to Use Their Skills for Nation Building

Legendary juju musician and cultural icon, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has called on Nigerian students to channel their education and talents toward driving positive change and contributing to the nation’s development.

Obey-Fabiyi made the call during the signing-out ceremony of 79 graduating students from the sixth graduating set of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, held at the Ebenezer Obey Music and Life Skills Institute, Abeokuta Centre, on Saturday.

The veteran musician, who established the institute as part of his lifelong commitment to youth empowerment, urged the graduates to let their achievements reflect discipline, hard work, and service to humanity.

“This centre was founded to empower young people — to help them blend education with good morals and creativity,” Obey said. “It gives me joy to see young Nigerians becoming agents of positive change through the knowledge they have acquired.”

Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Part-Time and Professional Studies, Al-Hikmah University, Dr Lateef Mustapha, described the ceremony as a “celebration of resilience, creativity, and lifelong learning.”

Mustapha emphasized that education should go beyond classroom learning to include moral discipline, entrepreneurship, and community service, reminding graduates that their true success lies not in grades but in the impact they make in society.

In his goodwill message, Professor Sabiru Adesanya, former Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, praised the institute for its contributions to human capacity development and urged the students to be worthy ambassadors of both institutions.

Earlier, the Director of the institute, Mr Adekunle Durosinmi, described the graduation as a milestone in the centre’s journey toward excellence, noting that the growing number of graduates shows the confidence students have in its vision.

He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to maintaining high standards and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians seeking quality education and professional growth.

The 79 graduates were drawn from Accounting, Computer Science, Business Administration, and Mass Communication departments.

Opinion: Obey’s Message Is a Wake-Up Call to Nigeria’s Youth

Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s message goes beyond mere congratulatory words — it is a timely reminder in an era when many young Nigerians chase quick fame and shortcuts to success.

The music legend, who built his name on discipline, consistency, and creativity, represents the very values our educational system needs to revive. His call for graduates to use their skills for nation building couldn’t have come at a better time — especially when the country’s growth depends more on innovation and moral leadership than on certificates alone.

In truth, Obey’s institute is not just producing graduates; it is nurturing nation builders — young Nigerians with both professional competence and moral consciousness.

If more celebrities used their influence to invest in education and values, like Obey-Fabiyi has done, Nigeria’s youth would not only be employable — they’d be empowered to transform their society.