October 04, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged young people in the state to take advantage of emerging business opportunities provided by his administration to actualise their entrepreneurial dreams, warning that entitlement mentality and lack of prudence remain major obstacles to growth.
Speaking on Friday at the opening of the 2025 Ibom Ignite Conference, themed “Ignite to Accelerate”, held at the Ibom-LED Centre in Uyo, the Governor said the initiative, which he introduced in 2017, was designed to inspire youths toward self-development and enterprise.
He described Ibom Ignite as a platform to challenge young people to break away from dependency and embrace discipline, recalling how he started the Royalty Group in 1995 with just five rooms before expanding it into a thriving business empire.
“I am a true Akwa Ibom brand. When you talk of an Akwa Ibom brand, see me standing here,” Eno declared, urging participants to emulate his journey by starting small, staying focused, and nurturing their vision with consistency.
The Governor said his early passion for entrepreneurship led him to write the book “Wealth Creation: God’s Way”, which he used to mentor young people on hard work and vision.
“I was tired of seeing young people angry, entitled, and waiting as if the world owed them something. We must change that mindset,” he added.
Eno stressed that passion remains the fuel for success.
“You must have a passion for something. Something must be driving you, and if you are pursuing it, stay focused,” he advised.
On governance, he noted that while leadership is vital, responsible followership is equally critical for progress.
“A leader can have good intentions, but without the right followership, intentions will fail,” he said.
He urged participants not to waste opportunities created through Ibom-LED and other empowerment programmes.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services, Obafemi Banigbe, said Akwa Ibom has the potential to become Nigeria’s hub for technology, sports, agriculture, and economic growth.
He urged young people to position themselves as “builders of tomorrow” rather than wait to become “leaders of tomorrow.”
Other speakers included General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, who advised youths to start small and grow steadily, and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, who described the 2025 theme as symbolic of the spark needed to drive passion, purpose, and possibility.
The two-day conference will feature paper presentations, panel sessions, and networking opportunities, with speakers drawn from business, government, media, and technology, including O’tega Ogra, Obinaju Uchenna, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, Idorenyen Enang, Ubong Obot, Ime Uwah, Akparawa James Edet, and Guinness World Record holder George Iniabasi Essien.
