NEWS EXTRA: Excessive use of social media kills destiny – Oyedepo

The Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Dr David Oyedepo, has admonished youths against the excessive use of social media.

Oyedepo gave the warning during the 15th Convocation Ceremony, Conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degrees and presentation of prizes in Ota, Ogun, on Friday.

• How 300 Libya-trained ISWAP fighters ‘conquered’ Shekau
• Nigeians angry as Governors mull N408/litre fuel price

The chancellor noted that the negative impact of social media on youths could not be overemphasised, as it has not only made them lose focus but has also robbed them of their destinies.

“The social media saga has eroded the substance of destiny as it has unconsciously robbed youths of their future and their time. The honour of this generation has been wiped off, chatting all day with no time left to think, plan programme and engage productively in the pursuit of any task.

“Some professionals have classified social media addiction along with drugs, alcohol and sex. Social media that is supposed to be a plus to the youth, suddenly became a minus, as everything of value is delivered through investment of time,” he said.

The chancellor noted that life without a vision was an adventure in frustration, and that life without a bearing was a burden.

According to him, only those who know where they are going ever get anywhere.

“No one ever arrives at a future he cannot see, neither does anyone arrive at a future he is not prepared for. It is time for every youth to wake up from slumber and take his/her destiny in their hands,” he said.

Oyedepo advised youths to get out of the nest by engaging in strategic planning as everyone was absolutely responsible for the outcome of his or her life.

Earlier, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, said the university was committed to training expert thinkers that would proffer solutions to nation’s problems and restore the lost glory of the black race.

Adebayo said the institution was keeping its students busy with activities that prepared them for leadership and productive dialogue as well as equipping them with skills to change their world.

The Vice Chancellor urged the graduands to be agents of change, light-bearers, solution providers and pathfinders in confronting the numerous challenges bedeviling Nigeria and the world at large.

Adebayo congratulated the graduands and their parents as well as guardians on their noble achievement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 1,664 students graduated for the 2019/2020 academic session.

They comprised 201 students who made first class honours; 793, second class upper honours; 595, second class lower; 75, third class and 254 post graduate students.

NAN also reports that Miss Paula-Peace Onyinyechi, a graduate of Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, emerged the best graduating student, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98.