The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has disclosed that he hawked soft drinks on the streets of Lagos to help his mother make ends meet, following the death of his father
Penpushing reports that Eno made this revelation while recounting his youth experiences during the convocation lecture he delivered at the 7th Convocation of Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State
The Governor recalled that his father, wo was a police officer, died in the line of duty and life became difficult for him and had to help his mother augment the family’s income by hawking soft drinks on the streets of Lagos
“Life became very difficult after my father’s death. I had to help my mother augment the family’s income by hawking soft drinks on the streets of Lagos, even as a Senior Prefect of Victory High School’, he stated
Penpushing further reports that he described those early struggles as the foundation of his entrepreneurial spirit, which later saw him run one of the largest hospitality conglomerates in Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor urged graduates to dream big, embrace creativity, and work hard, warning against entitlement and the desire for quick success and equally urged Nigerian youths to discard the entitlement mentality and quest for an easy path to success.
Penpushing also reports that Eno pointed out that contemporary society, reshaped by technological advancement and the breach of known boundaries, required a creative mindset that dared to challenge long-held norms.
“Let me state here that we are living in a world shaped by new realities, a world where known boundaries have been breached and expanded by advancements in technology, where values once considered sacrosanct are no longer the defining ethos, and where groupthink is rapidly dissolving and being replaced by the need to do something daring, something different, and something that challenges long-held norms’.
“The majority of the graduands here belong to the now-famous Generation X. Quite a number of people in this generation believe in the concept of immediate gratification and, to some extent, an entitlement mentality. “They want to achieve success without putting in the corresponding hard work, and most times, they crash and burn.”
Penpushing reports that he said the growth of his business was made possible by his implicit faith in the Invisible Hands of God to bring destiny helpers who would propel me to the heights God had destined for me.”
“You will achieve success only if you are upright in your dealings and guided by ethics and morality, and with faith in God. Whenever I remember my small beginnings and how God stepped in to arrange my path and the people who led me to the point He had destined for me, I am in awe of His mercies and grace. God can and will do the same for you, but you must learn to start something, grow something, dream of something, and put in the hard work.”
Penpushing further reports that Eno added that despite his current roles as a Minister of the Gospel, an entrepreneur, and a politician, he had not forgotten the grounding he received from his parents, the humility he wears as a badge of honour, and a deep sense of compassion for the poor and downtrodden.
The Chancellor and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, in his remarks lauded the Governor for inspiring the graduands.
“We specially honour and thank our Convocation Lecturer, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for accepting to be part of this historic celebration. Your presence dignifies this occasion; your words inspire this generation; and your example reminds us that leadership can be both competent and values-driven’, he stated
Penpushing also reports that The Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi, commended the Governor for honouring the occasion and stimulating and inspiring lecture.
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