By Solomon OKPO
Ibafo, Ogun State, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged Nigerian youths to reject entitlement thinking and embrace hard work, creativity and strong moral character as the surest pathway to enduring success.
Governor Eno delivered the charge while presenting the Convocation Lecture at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Mountain Top University (MTU), Ibafo, where he urged graduates to “dream big, start small, and most importantly, start,” stressing that greatness is forged through discipline, ethical conduct and faith in God.
He noted that rapid technological change and shifting global values demand a generation that can think creatively, challenge outdated norms and pursue excellence through legitimate enterprise rather than shortcuts to success.
According to the governor, contemporary youths must abandon the lure of instant gratification and the belief that success comes without sacrifice, warning that such thinking often leads to failure.
Commending the Chancellor of the university and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, Governor Eno praised the institution’s commitment to raising morally upright and intellectually sound leaders capable of nation-building.
Drawing inspiration from renowned motivational author Simon Sinek, the governor emphasised that sustainable growth is rooted in integrity, humility, transparency and the courage to be different in both approach and execution.
Sharing personal experiences, he recounted how the death of his father, a police officer who died in active service, shaped his early life, forcing him to support his family by hawking soft drinks on the streets of Lagos while a student at Victory High School in the early 1980s.
He said those humble beginnings ignited his entrepreneurial drive, which later culminated in building one of Akwa Ibom State’s largest hospitality enterprises, anchored on honesty, integrity and faith in God.
Governor Eno attributed his rise to an unwavering belief in divine guidance and ethical business practices, stressing that success is neither automatic nor effortless, but achievable through uprightness, perseverance and faith.
He also highlighted key social intervention programmes of his administration, including the construction of over 335 fully furnished compassionate homes for widows and vulnerable persons, monthly financial support to elders across the state, and food voucher schemes for the poorest citizens.
In his remarks, Professor Olukoya applauded the governor for delivering a thought-provoking lecture, describing his leadership as competent, people-centred and values-driven, while offering prayers for wisdom and enduring progress in Akwa Ibom State.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of MTU, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi, commended Governor Eno for honouring the institution and inspiring the graduating class with a message anchored on character, service and innovation.
At the convocation, Mountain Top University awarded degrees to 282 undergraduates, including 42 First Class graduates, alongside 64 postgraduate diploma and master’s degree recipients, and nine doctoral graduates.
