December 22, (THEWILL) – The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerians, especially students of higher institutions, not to lose hope despite the ongoing economic challenges, saying that the country will get back on its feet soon.
Mr Emmanuel, who gave the admonition as the guest lecturer at the fifth convocation ceremony of the Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ogun State, said Nigerians must challenge their minds to rise above the myriads of challenges facing the world today.
According to him, “The world we are living in today is characterised 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 being faced daily. Many are filled with fear at the uncertainty of what the future holds. But hope is the one attribute we must never lose.”
Emmanuel, who is an economist, charged students to take time out to have a vision for their lives, insisting that one must have a mental picture of what future he wants to create.
Speaking on the topic, “Optimising Your Potentials in a Challenging Future”, Mr Emmanuel said, “You can hold onto a vision of what is yet to come, you can boost your chances at achieving your dreams and being successful.”
He recounted how he conceptualised the idea of a state-owned airline for Akwa Ibom State, even before the assumption of office in 2015.
In addition to the Ibom airline which is presently considered one of the best in Africa, he recounted how he also followed his vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a financial, economic and technological hub.
Highlighting that no one can progress beyond his mindset, Mr Emmanuel urged people to embrace a growth mindset, saying, “Accept that all you know about any particular subject matter is not all that exists and be open to engage with and accept superior information.
“Your life will ultimately be a representation of your belief system, your philosophies and your ideology. No one can make progress beyond his mindset.”
He cautioned the youths against mediocrity, explaining that being of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance will take no one 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 play a ‘do or die’ politics.
In his citation read by the University orator, Dr Chinyere Mbaka, the University lauded Mr Emmanuel on his leadership style of not interfering with the affairs of his State, since his exit from office in May 2023.
“He has kept his promise to the people in Akwa Ibom since handing over the affairs of the State into the hands of his successor, Pastor Umo Eno, and has assumed his rightful place as an Elder Statesman in the country,” he said.
The University commended Mr Emmanuel for his achievements during his tenure, especially in the areas of infrastructure, industrialisation, healthcare and security.
In a convocation address, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, said 349 students were graduating out of which 36 had first class with two bagging doctoral degrees and 17 in the Master’s degree cadre.
He thanked Mr Emmanuel for graciously delivering the lecture at the convocation, admitting that it was very rewarding to the students.
The Chancellor, Dr. Daniel K. Olukoya, said God enabled the university, in only eight years, to become a dynamic centre of academic excellence and promised not to relent in their efforts in academics and other aspects.
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