Students urged to keep good friends

Secondary school students have been advised to be mindful of friends they keep, to remain focused in their studies.

Barrister Joy Ogbonnaya, international president of Pleasant Gathering, a non-denominational club gave the advice the 2018 Mega Secondary School Convention held at the Gymnasium Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.

Speaking on the theme “Towards a Positive change for the Nigerian Student”, Ogbonnaya told the students that the success of youths could depend on the kinds of friends they keep.

“You have the privilege of choosing friends but try to choose those who could influence or impact positively on your lives. She asked them to make a positive decision that could make them better citizens of the country and have a better future.

“There are things you should not do, to realise your potential. No matter your age, you should not indulge in sexual immorality, Lesbianism, homosexuality or any form of pornography.

Some are suffering from parental disobedience, others insult their teachers. All these will decimate your brain, diminish your intelligence quotient and endanger your future. But you are going back to your parents and teachers changed persons”.

She asked those who were already engrossed in those vices to adjust their lives, to enable them harness their budding talents.

Ogbonnaya said the group was geared towards transforming the lives of young people (youths) in the society and giving them direction towards fulfilling their destinies in God.

In his lecture, Chigozie Ichu, a guest lecturer argued that as the world was moving from industrial economy to knowledge economy, the students should also acquire learning skills for excellence in their career.

“The future belongs to those who have the knowledge”, he said.

Students interviewed expressed delight on the conduct of the organizers of the event. Deborah Chisom Nwachukwu, a student of Springfield College Emene said she was impressed by the lectures delivered at the convention.

“I will put the lessons into use for a better performance in my school and educational endeavour”.

Relating her experience, Akunna Ugborgu, a student of Solid Foundation International schools, Enugu south Local government area, said the convention was worth attending because of the inspirational teachings that come with it.

“Though it was my first time of attending the convention, it has touched my life and I will continue to attend the event to learn more”.

Onyedika Okoye of Union Boys secondary school, Awkunanaw said he was challenged to read more and improve on his skills to make a better student and citizen.

No fewer than 5,000 drawn from about 70 schools attended the convention. The club also used the occasion to celebrate the sixth Anniversary of its Secondary School Project. There were quiz competitions among some selected schools, singing and dancing.

Pleasant Gathering Reading club was established six years ago as an Education Project.

The aim is to enhance the Reading Culture and restore moral habits of Secondary School Students in Enugu state and the entire country.