The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has urged Nigerians, especially students of higher institutions, not to lose hope despite the ongoing economic challenges, expressing confidence that the country will soon regain its footing.
Mr Emmanuel, serving as the guest lecturer at the Fifth Convocation Ceremony of the Mountain Top University in Prayer City, Ogun State, stressed the need for Nigerians to confront the myriad challenges facing the world today with a resilient mindset.
He remarked, “The world we are living in today is characterized by a very high pace and scale of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. It is important to note that no nation is immune from the challenges of this present day.”
“Many are losing hope because of the enormity of the unresolved issues faced on a daily basis. Many are filled with fear at the uncertainty of what the future holds. But hope is the one attribute we must never lose,” advised Mr Emmanuel.
As an economist, Emmanuel charged students to take time to envision their lives, insisting that one must have a mental picture of the future one wants to create.
Speaking on the topic, “OPTIMIZING YOUR POTENTIALS IN A CHALLENGING FUTURE,” Mr Emmanuel emphasized, “You can hold onto a vision of what is yet to come; you can boost your chances of achieving your dreams and being successful.”
He recounted how he conceived the idea of a state-owned airline for Akwa Ibom State even before assuming office in 2015. In addition to the Ibom airline, presently considered one of the best in Africa, he recounted how he followed his vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a financial, economic, and technological hub.
Highlighting that no one can progress beyond their mindset, Mr Emmanuel urged people to embrace a growth mindset: “Accept that all you know about any particular subject matter is not all that exists and be open to engaging with and accepting superior information.”
“Your life will ultimately be a representation of your belief system, your philosophies, and your ideology. No one can make progress beyond their mindset.”
He cautioned the youth against mediocrity, explaining that being of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance will not lead anyone far. “Become a person known for excellence. The challenge of gender, racial, ethnic, or whatever biases only count at the average quality level. When you become excellent at whatever you do, these biases become absolutely irrelevant.”
“Excellence puts you above all biases. Be so good at what you do that you become almost indispensable,” Mr Emmanuel said.
The Management of Mountain Top University described the guest lecturer as a highly respected statesman who does not engage in ‘do or die’ politics. In a citation read by the University orator, Dr Chinyere Mbaka, the University lauded Mr Emmanuel for his leadership style, commending him for not interfering with the affairs of his State since leaving office in May 2023.
“He has kept his promise to the people in Akwa Ibom since handing over the affairs of the State to his successor, Pastor Umo Eno, and has assumed his rightful place as an Elder Statesman in the country.”
The University commended Mr Emmanuel for his achievements during his tenure, especially in the areas of infrastructure, industrialization, healthcare, and security.
In a convocation address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, revealed that 349 students were graduating, with 36 obtaining first-class honors, two receiving doctoral degrees, and 17 in the Master’s degree cadre.
He thanked Guest Lecturer Mr Emmanuel for delivering the lecture at the convocation, acknowledging its significant impact on the students.
The chancellor, Dr. Daniel K. Olukoya, expressed gratitude to God for enabling the university, in only eight years, to become a dynamic center of academic excellence. He promised not to relent in their efforts in academics and other aspects.
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