Odedeji tasks Lagos vocational graduates on integrity, excellence

The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Dr James Olusola Odedeji, has urged 78 graduates of the Diocese of Lagos West Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centre to uphold integrity and excellence as they pursue their careers.

Odedeji gave the charge during the second graduation ceremony of the centre held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Conference Centre, Ipaja, Lagos.

The graduates, who received free vocational training from the Diocese, completed a nine-month programme covering catering, tailoring, ICT and computer studies, hairdressing, photography and barbing.

The bishop described vocational training as a challenging but rewarding journey, stressing that patience, integrity, punctuality, respect and teamwork were essential ingredients for success.

While acknowledging the importance of certificates, Odedeji said they should not be regarded as the ultimate measure of achievement.

“A certificate can be placed in a folder, but the real value of functional training is reflected in the trainee’s capacity, confidence, consistency, character and competence,” he said.

He encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning through mentorship, adoption of best practices and continuous improvement of their skills to remain relevant in a changing world.

Odedeji also urged them to prioritise quality in their work, noting that it builds trust, protects reputation and creates opportunities.

“Guard your integrity; do not compromise. Integrity is not a luxury but the foundation of lasting success. God honours character,” he said.

The bishop said vocational skills were consistent with God’s purpose for humanity, adding that the Church had a responsibility to contribute positively to society beyond its spiritual mandate.

In her remarks, the bishop’s wife and initiator of the vocational centre, Dr Lydia Odedeji, urged the graduates to pursue independence and place God at the centre of their endeavours.

She also reminded them that integrity should remain a guiding principle in their personal and professional lives.

Some of the graduates expressed appreciation to the Diocese, saying the training had equipped them with practical skills, improved their confidence and strengthened their capacity for self-reliance.

The graduating class included retired school principals, unemployed youths, professionals and other members of the society who benefited from the free training programme.

The ceremony featured the administration of the graduation oath, presentation of certificates and special appreciation awards to Bishop James Odedeji and Dr Lydia Odedeji by the graduating students.

The event was attended by administrators, supporters of the vocational centre, members of the Ladies Christian League of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, representatives of various women’s guilds, parents and other well-wishers.