... Advises against Social Vices, Demeaning Attitudes
By Tony Udoh
The Executive Director, Akwa Ibom Agricultural Investments, Pastor Umo Eno has urged Akwa Ibom youths to embrace agriculture and develop entrepreneurial spirit adding that agriculture is a goldmine with numerous opportunities.
Speaking at a youth summit in Nsit Ubium local government area, the Executive Director noted that the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration is investing much energy and finance in the agricultural sector and called on the youths to take advantage and earn meaningful livelihood.
He said many prominent figures in the country and beyond were making their wealth through agriculture adding that the state has laid the foundation for easy access of support from international organisations and individuals.
Pastor Eno, himself a farmer, pointed out that the Directorate is willing and ready to work with interested groups and individuals adding that "there are a lot of organizations that are willing to invest, but money is the last thing you need. We need to see your passion for what you want to do."
The Executive Director who is an accomplished entrepreneur, turnaround management consultant and hotel and tourism practitioner decried the trend of ambushing politicians to solicit for alms as well as those engaging in fraud of all kinds adding that such was awkward mentality and alien to the Akwa Ibom culture.
He urged the youths to start small but with a vision to grow big and not wait endlessly to start big, emphasizing that most successful business men including; Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and others including those from Akwa Ibom State and beyond, started small.
Stressing on the imperative of a visionary oriented life style for the youth, he said, “you need to have a vision and start small. But you must ask yourselves, if Jesus tarries five years from now, where would you be? If you can answer that question well, it would help reshape your thoughts. When you answer that question well, it would help you to assess where you are, and the things you need to do. Also ask yourself if begging or thuggery is one of the things you want to do five years from now.
"Proverbs 20:29 says the Glory of the youth is the strength you carry; but the strength will not always be there. If you don’t invest your youthful strength in something meaningful, you cannot reap anything meaningful.
"Invest your strength wisely because you are the backbone of the society. The glory of the youth is in the strength you have. You must build a foundation. Put your youthful energy into something meaningful, and avoid demeaning yourself to get little money. Let me say this, any money you don't labour for does not last.
"Our Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel is putting in much to resuscitate Agriculture so take advantage of these opportunities and make something meaningful for yourself," he said.
Pastor Eno who was a guest speaker on the topic, "Christian Youths in a Developing Society," said Christians generally are called to make a difference and should be agents of transformation.
While stressing that the church should be a place of spiritual rejuvenation, and not the spiritual jamboree which has become the order of the day, he called on the youths of Nsit Ubium and the state as a whole to dare to make a difference with the fear of God in all their endeavours.
Earlier in his address, the host, Pastor Sunny James said the event was put together to drive a mental re-engineering among the youths of the area and state at large.
He commended Pastor Eno for being a torch bearer for the people of Nsit Ubium and urged the youths to emulate his giant strides in entrepreneurship.
While declaring the summit open, the Council Chairman, Architect Iniobong Orok commended the organizers and advised participants to learn and actually make the difference in their little circles.
The Chairman who was represented by the Vice, Hon Ofonime Ntiense, expressed optimism that the summit would mark the beginning of a different lifestyle by the people of the area and state at large.
Other speakers at the summit included; Mr Nsikan Johnny, the Police Public Relations Officer - Odiko Mcdon, and Mr Aniekeme Finbar, amongst others.
Comments
Post a Comment