Tony Elumelu, a philanthropist and business magnate, has challenged young people in the nation to work hard and create a promising future for themselves.
Elumelu spoke at the 2023 Teens Career Conference hosted by The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP)-RCCG in Abuja.
“There is a future, but you have to be the builders of that future now,” he told the kids on Saturday.
“I didn’t develop into the person I am now because I attended the best universities or was the smartest.
Hard effort, discipline, sacrifice, and submission to authority figures and my parents were among the few things that helped me in life.
Additionally, he advised the youth to go above and above in order to succeed.
The following advice helped me in life: “Study at night, take your education seriously, and understand there are no fast cuts.
“Be disciplined to prevent bad habits and to act appropriately; accept corrections from teachers and parents, and at higher educational institutions, be accountable.
“Settle for less. To get where I am now, I had to make a lot of sacrifices. To reap benefits in the future, set priorities, exercise the willpower to ignore unfavourable influences, and focus on the positive, according to Elumelu.
In order to have a beneficial impact on the nation, he also counselled the youth to use ICT.
Be yourself, as there are many ICT-related influences on today’s environment, and social media can have both positive and harmful effects. Don’t misuse opportunities, he advised, and be aware of what you desire.
The young people were cautioned by Elumelu to always pay attention to their parents and to avoid letting their current situation dictate their destiny.
You cannot outgrow their counsel because every parent wants the best for their children.
“Remember your orientation and lowly beginnings. Avoid social vices and peer pressure, particularly as they are depicted on social media these days, he cautioned.
In a similar vein, Ms. Juliet Lamin, an actor, activist, and educator located in the U.K., counselled young people to be intellectual and laser-focused in their endeavours.
She advised young people to make sure they reach developmental milestones at each level.
Lamin reminded the kids that the majority of greater possibilities came through challenges, unpleasant experiences, and trying times after sharing her own story, which drastically transformed her life.
“The loss of my kid profoundly altered my life. By taking action and accepting responsibility, doors to opportunities began to open.
“I have a plan to teach 30,000 black kids to assume responsibility in the UK over the next five years.
She urged the young people attending the conference to get up and get to work no matter what the situation was. “Pain, suffering, and sacrifices will knock you down,” she said.
Ms. Dorata Oakley-Matuszyk, a teacher and social activist, was a different guest speaker and she discussed the importance of responsibility.
As one needs to be focused and diligent in order to reach a bright future, responsibility is a significant business.
She provided suggestions on how young people should improve their lives and society.
“Manage resources, work, serve others, have a right attitude, be diligent, be creative, be determined, and be the light and salt to others,” she admonished.
The programme was designed to remind kids of the duties they should play in society, according to Evaristus Uzoma-Azodoh, the pastor in charge of RCCG-TEAP.
“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.
The seventh event that the church has held to encourage young people to assume responsibility for their futures, according to Mrs. Elizabeth Ekenyong, the event’s coordinator.
“Be able to spark their imagination through interactions with eminent members of society.
“Make them understand that despite the odds, they can accomplish their objectives.
“Help them realise that God still has a hand in human affairs.”
Ayinda Kuzhe, Agbiyinu Sarah, and Imikan Essien-Ibok, three young people who attended the event, stated they had learned that in order to succeed in life, one must be resilient and strong.(NAN)
