Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has urged young people to dream big, pursue meaningful ventures, work diligently, and embrace creativity to achieve extraordinary success. He delivered the advice during the 7th Convocation Lecture at Mountain Top University (MTU), Ibafo, Ogun State.
In a statement signed by his office, the Governor emphasised the need for youths to discard entitlement mentalities and the pursuit of shortcuts to success.
He highlighted that contemporary society, shaped by technological advances and evolving global norms, demands a mindset willing to challenge established conventions.
The statement reads partly: “Let me state here that we are living in a world shaped by new realities, a world where known boundaries have been breached and expanded by advancements in technology, where values once considered sacrosanct are no longer the defining ethos, and where groupthink is rapidly dissolving and being replaced by the need to do something daring, something different, and something that challenges long-held norms.
“The majority of the graduands here belong to the now-famous Generation X. Quite a number of people in this generation believe in the concept of immediate gratification and, to some extent, an entitlement mentality. They want to achieve success without putting in the corresponding hard work, and most times, they crash and burn.
“Whenever I remember my small beginnings and how God stepped in to arrange my path and the people who led me to the point He had destined for me, I am in awe of His mercies and grace.
“God can and will do the same for you, but you must learn to start something, grow something, dream of something, and put in the hard work.”
Governor Eno recounted his early life as the son of a police officer, hawking soft drinks while attending Victory High School, Ikeja.
He credited these humble beginnings for instilling an entrepreneurial spirit that later propelled him to lead one of the largest hospitality conglomerates in Akwa Ibom State. He stressed that integrity, honesty, and faith were crucial to his success.
He further highlighted his administration’s social interventions, including over 335 fully furnished compassionate homes, monthly stipends to elders, and free food vouchers for the most vulnerable citizens.
The Chancellor and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, praised Governor Eno for his inspiring lecture and exemplary leadership. Similarly, MTU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi, commended the Governor for delivering a motivational address that will resonate with the graduands.
The 7th Convocation Ceremony saw MTU graduate 282 undergraduates, including 42 first-class students, alongside 64 Postgraduate Diploma/Masters and nine doctoral graduates.