Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has opened up about the difficult childhood experience that shaped his journey to public service and business leadership, revealing that the death of his father forced him to hawk soft drinks on the streets of Lagos to support his family.

Eno shared the personal account while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State, on Thursday.

A Childhood Marked by Loss and Responsibility

According to the governor, his father, a police officer, died in the line of duty, leaving the family in financial distress. With his mother struggling to make ends meet, Eno said he had no choice but to contribute to the household income.

“Life became very difficult after my father’s death,” he told the audience. “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 explained that the experience exposed him early to hardship, discipline, and resilience. According to him, those years of struggle laid the foundation for the entrepreneurial mindset that later enabled him to build what he described as one of the largest hospitality conglomerates in Akwa Ibom State.

Warning Against Entitlement and Shortcuts

Meanwhile, Eno used the platform to caution graduating students against what he described as an entitlement mentality and the desire for quick success without effort.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Press Unit of the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo, the governor urged Nigerian youths to embrace creativity, patience, and hard work in a rapidly changing world.

He noted that society has been reshaped by technology and shifting values, making it necessary for young people to think differently and challenge old assumptions.

“We are living in a world shaped by new realities,” the statement quoted him as saying. “Known boundaries have been breached by advancements in technology, and groupthink is giving way to the need to do something daring and different.”

According to him, many young people, particularly those of the so-called Generation X, are drawn to immediate gratification and expect success without corresponding effort.

“They want to achieve success without putting in the hard work, and most times, they crash and burn,” he warned.

Faith, Ethics, and the Road to Success

Eno also attributed his personal and business growth to faith, ethical conduct, and what he described as divine guidance.

He said his journey was sustained by “implicit faith in the Invisible Hands of God” and the timely intervention of people who helped shape his destiny.

“The road to success is not all rosy,” he said. “You will achieve success only if you are upright in your dealings, guided by ethics and morality, and anchored in faith.”

Reflecting on his humble beginnings, the governor said he remains grateful for the values instilled in him by his parents, noting that humility and compassion for the poor continue to guide his leadership.

Despite his roles as a minister of the Gospel, an entrepreneur, and a politician, Eno said he has not forgotten the lessons learned from his early struggles.

University Leadership Reacts

The Chancellor and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, praised the governor for delivering an inspiring lecture that resonated with the graduands.

“We specially honour and thank our Convocation Lecturer, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State,” Olukoya said. “Your words inspire this generation and remind us that leadership can be both competent and values-driven.”

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi, commended Eno for honouring the institution and delivering what he described as a stimulating and impactful address.