Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged graduating students of Babcock University to embrace faith, resilience and innovation as they step into a rapidly changing world, stressing that lasting success comes from courage, perseverance and a willingness to break new ground.

Delivering the 2026 Undergraduate Convocation Lecture titled “Breaking New Ground: Faith, Grit and the Work of New Beginnings” at the university’s stadium in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu congratulated the graduating NOVA Class of 2026 and challenged them to see their graduation as the beginning of greater opportunities rather than the end of their academic journey.

Describing the graduates’ class name, NOVA, as symbolic of “a new beginning and a bright future,” the governor urged them to build on the foundation laid by the university.

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“The world will not give you what you believe you deserve; it will only give you what you demand of it,” he said.

Reflecting on his own journey after graduating from the University of Lagos in 1988, Sanwo-Olu noted that unlike today’s digital era, opportunities were limited, but every generation must learn to adapt to the realities of its time.

He advised the graduates not to wait for perfect certainty before pursuing their dreams, stressing that faith and courage are often more important than complete clarity.

“You do not need absolute certainty to take the next step. More important is faith. New ground is broken by people willing to act without full knowledge, learn quickly and adapt,” he said.

The governor also encouraged the graduates not to fear failure, describing setbacks as valuable lessons that prepare individuals for greater achievements.

Sharing personal experiences, he disclosed that several businesses he ventured into after graduation failed, but the experiences shaped his leadership journey.

Sanwo-Olu recounted the challenges he faced upon assuming office as governor in 2019, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS protests, saying both crises tested his administration’s resolve and leadership capacity.

He said Lagos responded to the pandemic by strengthening its healthcare infrastructure, establishing a COVID-19 War Room and relying on science, expert advice and data-driven decision-making.

According to him, the experience underscored the importance of seeking wise counsel, remaining calm under pressure and making informed decisions during difficult times.

Highlighting achievements of his administration over the past seven years, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos has expanded its annual budget from less than ₦900 billion in 2019 to ₦4.44 trillion, developed rail infrastructure, modernised road and water transportation, established two additional state universities, embarked on a digital learning revolution and is completing what he described as the largest children’s hospital in sub-Saharan Africa.

He also said Lagos has strengthened its position as a global financial and technology hub through deliberate planning, institutional reforms and sustained investment in innovation.

The governor urged young innovators to understand how government works, advising them to support their ideas with evidence, pilot projects and measurable results rather than mere proposals.

He said innovation thrives when embedded in institutions rather than individuals and encouraged graduates to take advantage of innovation grants, regulatory sandboxes and public-private partnerships.

Commenting on national economic reforms, Sanwo-Olu said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was laying the foundation for long-term, inclusive growth through reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification and changes in the oil and gas sector.

While acknowledging that the reforms have imposed short-term hardships, he argued that they are necessary to address long-standing structural challenges confronting the country.

Sanwo-Olu also cautioned against celebrating mediocrity or ignorance in the age of social media, urging graduates to prioritise knowledge, competence and integrity over popularity.

“There is nothing wrong with building an audience, but let what you offer that audience be built on substance. Guard your integrity as your only non-renewable asset,” he said.

He encouraged the graduates to pursue lifelong learning, seek mentors, embrace innovation and allow education and imagination to drive their contributions to national development.

Quoting former United States President Barack Obama, Sanwo-Olu reminded the graduates that the future belongs to young people equipped with education and the imagination to create solutions that improve society.