Over 100 participants from across Akwa Ibom State gathered in Uyo, the state capital for an engaging, intellectually- stimulating and inspirational maiden edition of the Team Umo Eno Youth Mentoring Master class.

Charles Udoh, guest speaker delivering his paper

Held at the Signature by Royalty Hotel, the event saw the filled-to-capacity hall of youths given the opportunity to discover their inner talents, told about the power of vision, audacity of hope, seizing and exploiting opportunities.

Pastor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State PDP Gubernatorial candidate

The guest speaker, Sir Charles Udoh,  the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Environment and Mineral Resources who spoke on the topic “What’s your excuse?”, held his audience spellbound in his presentation where he affirmed that it was necessary to make the right choices at all times while noting that excuses are the greatest enemies of man in the journey to greatness.

Senator ( Mrs) Akon Eyakenyi, Phd, PDP Gubernatorial running mate

Using his personal grass to grace story as background, Sir Charles noted that to be successful, one has to be ready to make adjustments, make sacrifices, be disciplined and seek knowledge.

Cross section of participants

Furthermore, the speaker used the success stories of great world changers; drawing key lessons from their lives to drive home his point about foresight, resilience and commitment.

Dr John Etim, Commissioner of Energy, Michael Effiong & Mr Nsikan Johny, MD/CEO, Akwa Ibom State Transport Company

His most moving example was the story of Nick Vujicic, the Australian American Evangelist who has no hands and legs but has become a monumental success, writing books, swimming, playing football and making millions as motivational speaker.

Hon. Otobomg and Mr Nsikan Jonny , MD/CEO Akwa Ibom Transport Company

According to Sir Charles “If Nick, despite his condition and challenges did not give up, what excuse does anyone have?”

He rounded off by urging participants to dream big and take action, harness their skill sets while encouraging them to take ownership of their own personal and professional development.

Charles Udo, Madam Idy Ekwo, President-Geberal Team Umo Eno & Oman Esin

In his remarks, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno who made a surprise stop over at  event ,noted that if he could make it in life, then, everyone had an opportunity to thrive.

Mr Oman Esin, Commissioner for Culture & Tourism with Mrs Ifiok Akan greeting Pastor Umo Eno

He took participants through his own life story where he highlighted the values of discipline, dedication, seizing opportunities and of course, God’s grace.

Hon. Eric Akpan, Chairman, Nsit Ubium LGA, greeting Pastor Umo Eno

The gubernatorial flagbearer, a seasoned and tenacious business leader, revealed how he started a 5-room hospitality facility in Eket and has grown it into a conglomerate of various businesses that employed over 2,000 workers.

Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Mrs Ifiok Akan & Hon ( Mrs)Owoidighe Ekpoattai

He assured participants of his desire to support SMEs and grow start-ups, adding that there will be opportunities for youths to be meaningfully engaged, make their own money and ultimately become employers of labour.

Also speaking, the PDP gubernatorial running mate, Senator (Dr) Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, charged participants to put into practice all that has been taught at the master class and watch their names ring a bell in the world of successful individuals.

Senator Eyakenyi, who represents Akwa Ibom South in the upper chamber revealed that she started her career as a primary school teacher and was now a Phd holder because of her commitment to success which helped her defeat all manner of excuses.

Ms Inem Umo with Mrs Ifiok Akan

She urged participants to have a mindset change and vow to do things differently henceforth which will enable them experience a new lease of life and begin the path to success.

Sam, Sir Charles and Michael Effiong

She assured participants that Pastor Umo Eno’s emergence will bring about development, growth and prosperity in Akwa Ibom State.

Presentation of Raffle draw prize to winner

The high point of the mentorship programme was a raffle draw where a budding entrepreneur and student of the University of Uyo won a support fund of N 150, 000.

The event was applauded by participants who confessed that the Master Class was indeed life-changing