Father’s death forced me to become a ‘Lagos hawker’ – Akwa Ibom Governor

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has shared the story of his difficult past, revealing that his father’s death forced him to hawk soft drinks on the streets of Lagos to support his family.

The governor recounted his early struggles while delivering the convocation lecture at the 7th Convocation of Mountain Top University in Ibafo, Ogun State, on Thursday.

He explained that life took a harsh turn after his father, a police officer, died in the line of duty. “Life became very difficult after my father’s death,” Eno said. “I had to help my mother augment the family’s income by hawking soft drinks on the streets of Lagos, even as a Senior Prefect of Victory High School.”

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Governor Eno credited these challenging experiences with building the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit, which eventually led him to establish one of the largest hospitality conglomerates in Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement released by the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Eno urged Nigerian youths to reject an “entitlement mentality” and the pursuit of easy success. He encouraged the new graduates to dream big, embrace creativity, and commit to hard work.

He noted that modern society, transformed by technology, demands a creative mindset willing to challenge established norms. “We are living in a world shaped by new realities, a world where known boundaries have been breached and expanded by advancements in technology,” the statement read.

The governor cautioned against the desire for instant gratification, a trait he associated with the current generation. “They want to achieve success without putting in the corresponding hard work, and most times, they crash and burn,” he warned.

Reflecting on his own journey, Eno attributed his business growth to his “implicit faith in the Invisible Hands of God” and the support of destiny helpers. He stressed that the path to success is not always smooth.

“You will achieve success only if you are upright in your dealings and guided by ethics and morality, and with faith in God,” he advised the graduates. “God can and will do the same for you, but you must learn to start something, grow something, dream of something, and put in the hard work.”

The Chancellor of the university and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, praised Governor Eno for his inspiring message. “Your presence dignifies this occasion; your words inspire this generation; and your example reminds us that leadership can be both competent and values-driven,” Olukoya stated.

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi, thanked the governor for delivering a stimulating and motivational lecture.