The General Overseer of Just Jesus Assembly, Bishop Norman Jonah, has urged youths to emulate the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fairtex group, Jacob Idungafa’s sterling qualities and ability to aspire to greatness, for their self development.
The Bishop gave the advice while speaking at the “Activate the Youth Business Summit”, organised by Fairtex group and Jacob Idungafa Charity Foundation, as part of activities to mark Idungafa’s 50th birthday anniversary, which was held on Thursday, at the Dome event centre in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
He said that the youths would be guided by Idungafa’s inspiring example to climb higher in life if they learn from him.
He urged them to always look to right models like the Akwa Ibom born oil mogul and businessman (Idungafa) who has put enormous priority on building his business empire, stressing that his exemplary track record of endurance, enterprise , patience and God-fearing personality was worthy of emulation.
” The programme is a needful programme for our society at this time, in the sense that when you learn from the life experiences of others, it gives you hope.
“You know the life of the convener, Idungafa is like a work example. A man who had nothing but looked forward with strong grit that ‘I can make it’, and then came to this level of life in about 20 years. That tells you that there is hope for everyone in the society.
” I want to say that there is a seed on your inside. You should not allow the pressure from the environment; what is going on around to kill your seed. Give your seed the right perception to express itself to your world”, the Bishop advised the youths.
Earlier on while delivering his welcome address, Idungafa, said that the objective of the summit was to bring together young entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators to share insights, ideas, and inspiration.
He further said that it was also to touch lives and empower the younger generation with essential knowledge for business growth and sustainability.
“The reason for this summit is to give value to our youths, help them have direction
and activate the leadership qualities in them to be responsible”.
“It is also to support the youths of Nigeria and young people like me who do not have connection and support from anyone.
“God has blessed me, so I felt I should share my grass-to-grace story, experience, challenges, shame and how I overcame them, with the aim of spurring the youths to aspire to greatness.
“We hope today’s discussions and key insights will inspire someone to take charge of their life and change their trajectory towards success”,
Speaking further, the GMD assured that the event would become an annual cornerstone of the Jacob Idungafa Charity Foundation’s mission to promote, support, and aid those in need.
“This programme will continue. Today is the kick off. It will run to become a global event that will attract thousands and millions of youths.
“We will collaborate with lots of non governmental organisations (NGO) and government to add value to the youths as well as give them the right direction and focus in life”.
“I decided to first partner my church because anything that I do in life is God centred. God lifted me up from nobody to somebody. The bible has taught me that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church. The church plays a vital role in the spiritual nurturing of the youths”, he noted.
Narrating how he started, Idungafa stated that he passed through very difficult times in his life but by the help of God he was able to excel at the end of the day, adding that he had always struggled to get to his highest potentials.
He pointed out that Fairtex group could not have grown as it has without adhering to high standards of decency, integrity as well as treating people right.
“My company which started from a room is doing well in the oil and gas industry. Today, the company is beyond Nigeria. We are currently in Ghana, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Mozambique and Angola”, he disclosed.
Presenting a talk on ‘You as an Entrepreneur, the Regional Manager of 9mobile Nigeria, Southeast and Southwest, Christian Kanu, said an entrepreneur is a person who takes risks, solves problem, identifies opportunity and work with a vision.
He noted that Idungafa fits the description of a hardworking entrepreneur, considering his life experience.
The regional manager informed that business opportunities abound in 9mobile company and urged the youths to take advantage of them.
Some of the participants who spoke in an interview with our correspondent, thanked the convener for organising the summit.
Mr. Godswill Monday residing in Etche local government area of Rivers state, said ” I love the summit and thank God for the organiser. I will like to say may God give him the energy and strength to do more”.
On her part, Mercy Amachree said, ” The event was quite interesting . I will go and repackage myself. Also, I will go and activate all the things we learnt in my business”.
on his own part, Mr. Godswill Chikezie, Said, ”The summit was inspiring. Mr. Jacob and his Foundation did well. All the things we learnt will be put into action”.
The summit which attracted hundreds of youths featured panel discussion by life coaches including Gbenga Terebo, CEO, MoneysWorth, Amarachi Stanley-Duru, Lead Consultant, Marach Consul Ltd, Dr. Ella Chioma, Social media influencer, Veronica’s Daughter and Barr. Kere Usendu.
David Amusa, PortHarcourt
