President of the Okongko Charity Foundation, Dr. Chris Okongko, has charged Nigerian students to become catalysts for sustainable societal change by embracing discipline, responsibility, and positive action-driven leadership.
Speaking during an engagement with leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) via WhatsApp call, Dr. Okongko emphasized the importance of combining formal education with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, noting that such a holistic approach equips students with practical tools for self-reliance and long-term socio-economic sustainability beyond graduation.
Highlighting the core values and milestones of the Okongko Charity Foundation, Dr. Okongko reiterated that education remains the heartbeat of his philanthropic vision, stressing that youth and students represent the most strategic demography for driving institutional reforms and national development.
He commended the evolving posture of NANS, noting its transition from confrontational activism to constructive dialogue and policy-oriented engagement.
Dr. Okongko urged students to reject illegality, corruption, and moral decadence, while actively participating in policy advocacy and leadership recruitment processes that promote accountable governance and sustainable human development. According to him, “the most effective time to effect change in society is during one’s youthful and student years.”
He further pledged the Foundation’s support for the forthcoming NANS Entrepreneurial Conference, describing such interventions as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future human capital. He encouraged students not to disappoint society, warning that the failure of students ultimately translates to the failure of society at large.
“Don't forget that you're the watchdogs of the society, and so must live up to the billing of holding the different institutions and leadership accountable for their actions and inaction”, Dr Okongko maintained.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, the African Representative, Mr. Daniel Ekanem, disclosed that the Okongko Charity Foundation has consistently intervened in humanitarian causes, including scholarships for Nigerian students, support for persons living with disabilities, and assistance to the less privileged, medical outreaches to the aged amongst others.
Drawing from personal experience, he noted that the Foundation’s mission is rooted in empathy, inclusion, and social justice, aimed at driving transformative change across communities.
Earlier, the NANS National Treasurer, Comrade Heritage Akan, described Dr. Okongko as an inspiration to Nigerian students and “a round peg in a round hole.”
Presenting the theme of the forthcoming NANS Entrepreneurial Summit: “After School, What Next?” She applauded Dr. Okongko for his commitment to youth empowerment and societal development.
Also speaking, the G31 Chair, Mr. Anietie Samuel, quoted, “If your actions inspire others to do more, achieve more, and aspire for more, then you are a leader,” likening Dr. Okongko to a transformational leader whose Foundation has continued to add measurable value to society.
Dr. Okongko was subsequently nominated as a guest speaker and award recipient at the Conference, where he is to be honoured with the Icon of Humanitarian Service and Student Empowerment Award.
High point of the engagement was the formal endorsement of the forthcoming NANS Summit by the Okongko Charity Foundation and its leadership.
The Okongko Charity Foundation delegation at the meeting included: Mr. Daniel Ekanem (African Representative), Mr Kendi Jumbo (Head, Media Directorate), Mbereobong Obosi Esq. (Legal Adviser), Iniobong Udom (Dept. Head, Humanitarian Services Department), and Ruby (Head of Secretariat).
©Kendi Jumbo
Head, Media and Public Relations Directorate, Okongko Charity Foundation.
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