Follow Us on Google
From Idu Jude, Abuja
Labour Party (LP) chieftain and candidate for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency, Chief Anthony Okafor, has challenged Nigerian youths to embrace trade and entrepreneurship as indispensable tools for economic survival and national development.
Okafor, chief executive officer of TK Foods and Beverages, gave the charge at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, during the 2026 induction ceremony of the Department of Educational Foundations, organised by the Educational Foundations Students Association (EFSA).
The event, themed: “Foundation for a new Nigeria: Reimagining education for innovation and nation building” brought together academics, students, parents and well-wishers to celebrate academic excellence and purposeful leadership.
Speaking in a lecture titled: “Trade and manufacturing as Igbo sustenance and lifeline,” Chief Okafor urged students to combine formal education with entrepreneurship, stressing that trade remains the fastest-growing profession and controls over 70 per cent of the global economy.
According to him, passion, determination to succeed, endurance in service, customer relations, accountability and humility are some of the key ingredients required for success in both business and life.
“My advice to UNIZIK and all Nigerian students is simple. In whatever you do, be humble and courageous. Trade is the fastest-growing profession and controls about 70 per cent of the world economy. It is advisable to combine whatever you do with trade for residual incomes.”
Other News
He emphasised the importance of character management, good customer relationships and commitment to excellence, while encouraging students to cultivate alternative sources of livelihood that would sustain them beyond academic qualifications.
In recognition of his contributions to business development and humanitarian services, Chief Okafor was honoured with an award of excellence, a development that attracted applause from participants and underscored his impact on society.
Head of Department of Educational Foundations, Prof. Ugochukwu Ifeyinwa Offor, described the students as agents of change and urged them to maximise their opportunities in the university. She encouraged them to manage their time effectively, remain disciplined, take their studies seriously, and avoid prolonged stay in school.
Delivering the keynote address, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, congratulated the fresh students and charged them to make productive use of their years in the university. He noted that they had quality lecturers and advised them to acquire skills that would sustain them after graduation.
Prof. Kingsley Nwosu, in a lecture, “The God factor: Foundations for true success and excellence,” reminded the students that genuine success cannot be separated from God. He condemned examination malpractice, cultism and shortcuts to success, urging them instead to embrace discipline, hard work and moral uprightness.
The Staff Adviser of the association, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezennaka, thanked participants for their support and noted that though the induction had suffered delays due to other engagements, the ceremony had officially given the students “wings to fly to success” as bona fide members of the department.
