Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has shared his remarkable story of resilience, revealing how he sold soft drinks on Lagos streets as a teenager following his father’s tragic death.
Speaking at Mountain Top University’s seventh convocation ceremony in Ibafo, Ogun State, Governor Eno reflected on the adversity that shaped his character and entrepreneurial spirit.
Following the line-of-duty death of his father, a police officer, the young Eno found himself helping his mother financially despite his responsibilities as Senior Prefect at Victory High School.
“After my father passed away, our family faced severe financial difficulties. I took to the streets of Lagos, selling soft drinks to help my mother make ends meet, all while serving as Senior Prefect,” the governor recalled.
He credited those formative experiences with laying the groundwork for his later success in establishing a thriving hospitality enterprise in Akwa Ibom State.
According to a Friday statement from the Akwa Ibom State Government House Press Unit in Uyo, Governor Eno challenged young Nigerians to abandon expectations of instant success and embrace hard work instead.
He emphasized that modern society demands innovative thinking willing to question established conventions, particularly given rapid technological transformation.
“We inhabit a world transformed by emerging realities—where technology has dismantled traditional barriers, where previously unshakeable values no longer exclusively define our principles, and where collective conformity gives way to bold, unconventional thinking that defies established norms,” he stated.
“Many of today’s graduates belong to Generation X, a cohort often characterized by desire for immediate results and sometimes a sense of entitlement. Too many seek achievement without commensurate effort, frequently resulting in failure.”
The governor attributed his business growth to his “unwavering trust in God’s providence to send mentors who would elevate me toward my divine purpose.”
Stressing that achievement demands both integrity and diligence, he added, “Success comes only through honest conduct, ethical principles, moral guidance, and faith in God. God will work similarly in your lives, but you must initiate something, cultivate something, envision something, and invest the necessary effort.”
He affirmed his continued commitment to the principles his parents taught him and his dedication to supporting disadvantaged communities.
Professor Daniel Olukoya, chancellor and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, expressed appreciation for the governor’s motivating address to graduates.
“We extend special recognition and gratitude to our Convocation Lecturer, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for participating in this momentous occasion,” Professor Olukoya remarked.
Mountain Top University Vice Chancellor Professor Elijah Ayolabi likewise praised Governor Eno’s contribution to the ceremony.
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