A business mogul, banker and philanthropist, Mr Tony Elumelu, has urged youths in Nigeria to work hard and build a bright future for themselves.
Elumelu was one of the speakers at The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP)-RCCG Teens Career Conference 2023 holding in Abuja.
He told the youth on Saturday that “there is a future, but you have to be the builders of that future now.
“I did not become who I am today because I went to the best schools or was the most brilliant.
“Few things helped me in life which were hard work, discipline, sacrifice and obedience to elders and my parents.”
He also told the youth that for success to be achieved, they must go the extra mile to attain it.
“Study at night, take your studies serious, and know there are no short cuts; these and more helped me in life.
“Be disciplined to avoid bad habits and to do what you ought to do; take corrections from teachers and parents, and at higher institutions, be responsible.
“Make sacrifices. I did make a lot of sacrifices to achieve my today. Make priorities, have the will power to rise above negative influences and go for positives to gain rewards in future,” Elumelu further said.
He also advised the youth to utilise the ICT to make positive impact in the country.
“Be yourself, in the world today there are a lot of influences from the ICT; social media has its impacts positively just as negatively. Know what you want and don’t abuse opportunities,” he said.
Elumelu admonished the youth not to allow their present circumstances to determine their future, and listen to their parents at all times.
“You cannot outgrow their advice, all parents wish and want the best for their children.
“Remember your humble beginnings and orientation. Shun social vices and peer group influence, especially as being portrayed on social media these days”, he added.
Similarly, Ms Juliet Lamin, a U.K based Actor, Educator and Activist, advised youths to be focused in their pursuits and be intelligent about it.
She said that youths should make sure that they attain milestones at every stage of their development.
Lamin, who shared her experience which changed her life completely, told the children that most better opportunities came through challenges, bitter experiences and difficult times.
“The death of my son changed my life completely, the doors of opportunities were opened when I stood up and took responsibilities.
“I have a plan in the next five years in the U.K to mentor 30,000 black youths to take responsibility.
“Pain, suffering, sacrifices will knock you down, but whatever circumstances you find yourself get up and start work,” she told the young people at the conference.
Another guest, Ms Dorata Oakley-Matuszyk, a teacher and social advocate, spoke on the topic: The value of Responsibility.
“Responsibility is a big business as one needs to be focused and hard working to achieve a bright future”.
She outlined what the youth could engage in to build themselves and society.
“Manage resources, work, serve others, have a right attitude, be diligent, be creative, be determined, be the light and salt to others,” she said.
In his remarks, Evaristus Uzoma-Azodoh, the Pastor in charge of RCCG-TEAP, said the programme was organised to remind children of the roles they should play in the society.
“The teens conference acts as a reminder to the children to stand on their feet, face the challenges and prepare for the future,” he added.
Also, Mrs Elizabeth Ekenyong, coordinator of the event, said it was the seventh held by the church to teach the teens to take responsibility of their future.
“Have their imagination fired through interactions with accomplished professionals in the society.
“Make them realise that no matter the odds, they can reach their goals.
“Get them understand that God still intervene in the affairs of men”.
Some of the young people at the event, Ayinda Kuzhe, Agbiyinu Sarah and Imikan Essien-Ibok, said they have learned that they have to be strong and resilent to succeed in life.
