Banker Tasks Youths On Self Reliance
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Unity Bank PLC, Mrs Oluwatomi Somefun has charged Nigerian to remain focused and stop over-reliance on their governments to achieve their dreams.
Addressing more than 2000 youths at Redeemer’s University on Wednesday, in Ede, Mrs Somefun said that with hard work, sacrifice and perseverance, every young person is capable of achieving anything or can be what they want.
The Chartered Banker while delivering the 11th Convocation lecture of the university on the topic “Unleashing Youth Potential : Pathway To Nigeria’s Future advised youth on the need to have vision for themselves.
“Never wait for the government to do something for you. Its job is to create an enabling environment. Youth don’t have to give up, you have to keep going. When you see your business is outdated, innovate,” she said.
She advised the youth not to pay attention to naysayers and instead focus more on putting their ideas to work.
“Discovery of your purpose gives you a vision for your life; a vision is a picture of what you want to achieve. It is important to have a clear picture of your dreams and aspirations in life, and articulate them without ambiguity. God himself told us in Habakkuk 2:2 that ” write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads ” Visioning is one of the most powerful tools God gave to human beings. Your vision gives you passion and provides direction.
Urging the graduands to be more creative, Mrs Somefun advised the youths to cultivate their personal and unique brand for themselves , saying “what you stand for, your personal brand speaks to your uniqueness as an individual. You are a distinct personality, God’s original, specially created y Him with specific abilities and traits
She also urged the young people to be the driving force and take charge to build the future that Nigeria want, charging them to work collectively and promote entrepreneurship, job creation for the better future of Nigeria.
“You will want to start a business and you will find people who will tell you that it will not succeed because there is so much competition, more money, more infrastructure, and more resources. Let that not derail you,” she said.
She pointed out that there were many young and successful Nigerians who today are recognised and respected in America and the rest of the world, because they had succeeded and exceptionally to become the best in a foreign country.
She urged youth to seize opportunities to innovate and turn their challenges into profitable ventures.
Advising the youths to be determined, flexible and adaptable , the Unity Bank CEO charged the graduating students not to be deceived, she said: “life outside the confines of the school environment is tough and sometimes harsh, hardly a walk in the park. You values and morals will be tested but I encourage you to be firm, steadfast and be flexible in your thinking, and let your ultimate goals and objectives drive yours action. Difficult roads often lead beautiful destinations.
In his earlier address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Anthony Eniesan Akinlo described the Convocation lecture going by its topic as timely because it would help the graduands to think on how to take up challenges of life and develop their God given potentials
Prof Akinlo urged the graduating students on the need not follow the crowns they should rather stand out and make meaningful impacts in the society.
