By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope in the country inspite of her economic challenges.
Emmanuel, who gave this counsel as a guest lecturer at the 5th Convocation Ceremony of the Mountain Top University in Ogun State, said Nigerians must challenge their minds to rise above the myriads of challenges facing the world today.
He 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 would want to create.
“The world we are living in today is characterized by 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 on 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.” Emmanuel advised.
Speaking on the topic,”Optimizing your potentials in a challenging future” the former Governor said that, “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 conceptualized the idea of a state-owned airline for Akwa Ibom,
even before assumption of office in 2015.
In addition to the Ibom Airline which is presently considered one of the best in Africa, Emmanuel recounted how he also followed his vision of transforming the state into a financial, economic and technological hub.
Highlighting that no one could progress beyond his mindset,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 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 youths against mediocrity, explaining that being of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance would 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.” Emmanuel said.
Meanwhile, the Management of the University has described the former Governor 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 Emmanuel on his leadership style of not interfering with the affairs of his State, since exiting 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.” It said.
