Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has recounted how the death of his father, a police officer who died in active service, plunged his family into hardship and compelled him to hawk soft drinks on the streets of Lagos as a teenager.
The governor made the emotional disclosure on Thursday while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State.
Eno said the tragedy marked a turning point in his life, forcing him to support his mother financially despite being a senior student and a prefect at Victory High School at the time.
“Life became very difficult after my father’s death. 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,” he said.
According to him, the experience of hardship and responsibility at a young age laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey and resilience, values that later propelled him to build one of the largest hospitality conglomerates in Akwa Ibom State before venturing into public service.
Addressing the graduating students, the governor urged them to shun entitlement mentality and the pursuit of instant success, stressing that meaningful achievement is rooted in hard work, creativity and discipline.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Press Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Uyo, Eno warned that many young people expect success without corresponding effort, a mindset he said often leads to failure.
“We are living in a world shaped by new realities, where known boundaries have been breached by technological advancement and long-held norms are constantly being challenged,” he said.
“The majority of the graduands here belong to the now-famous Generation X. Many people in this generation believe in immediate gratification and, to some extent, an entitlement mentality. They want to achieve success without putting in the corresponding hard work, and most times, they crash and burn.”
The governor attributed his rise in business and public life to faith in God, ethical conduct and perseverance, noting that success is rarely a smooth journey.
“You will achieve success only if you are upright in your dealings, guided by ethics and morality, and anchored on faith in God. When I remember my small beginnings and how God arranged my path and destiny helpers, I am always in awe of His mercies,” he said.
Despite his roles as a clergyman, entrepreneur and politician, Eno said he has remained grounded in the values instilled by his parents, adding that humility and compassion for the poor remain central to his life.
The Chancellor and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Prof Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, praised the governor for inspiring the graduands, describing his life story as a testament to values-driven leadership.
“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 said.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Prof Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi, commended Governor Eno for honouring the institution’s invitation and delivering what he described as a stimulating and impactful lecture.
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