The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, the Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, has urged graduates of the Diocese of Lagos West Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centre to uphold integrity, pursue excellence and remain committed to lifelong learning as they build their careers.
Odedeji gave the charge during the second graduation ceremony of the vocational centre held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Conference Centre, Ipaja, Lagos, where 78 students completed various vocational training programmes.
According to a statement on Friday made available to PUNCH Online , the bishop described vocational education as a rewarding journey that demands patience, discipline and dedication, stressing that lasting success is built on integrity, punctuality, respect for others and teamwork.
He noted that while certificates are important, 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.
Odedeji added that vocational and professional skills align with God’s purpose for humanity, noting that the Church has a responsibility to make both spiritual and positive societal impacts.
He encouraged the graduands to continue developing themselves through mentorship, continuous learning and skills improvement to remain competitive in an evolving world.
“Always strive for quality because it protects your reputation, builds trust and attracts better opportunities. Guard your integrity; do not compromise. Integrity is not a luxury but the foundation of lasting success. God honours character,” he said.
The graduates, who received free training from the Diocese of Lagos West, completed a nine-month programme in Catering, Tailoring, ICT and Computer Studies, Hairdressing, Photography and Barbing. The participants included retired school principals, unemployed youths, professionals and other members of society.
Also speaking, the wife of the bishop and founder of the vocational centre, Dr. Lydia Odedeji, urged the graduates to pursue financial independence while placing God at the centre of their lives and careers.
She reminded them that integrity should remain their guiding principle as they begin the next phase of their journey.
Some of the graduates expressed appreciation to the Diocese, describing the programme as life-changing and saying it had equipped them with practical skills to become self-reliant.
The event featured the administration of the graduation oath, presentation of certificates and the conferment of appreciation awards on Bishop James Odedeji and Dr. Lydia Odedeji by the graduating students. It was attended by church administrators, supporters of the vocational centre, representatives of women’s organisations, parents and other guests.
