Governor Godswill Akpabio has called on young Nigerians to watch out and deviate from flaws in their character that could deter them from sustaining any success recorded in life.

Chief Akpabio gave the advice Friday at the opening of a one-day seminar on the theme “Building Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta Region” organised by Niger Delta Young Professionals at Le Meridien Hotels and Golf Resort, Nwaniba.

“It is easy to achieve success, but difficult to sustain it,” the governor said. He cited Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, whon he said while alive had reached the apogee of their musical career but could not sustain the tempo of such success and fame due to certain flaws in their character.

Akpabio equally linked flaws in character to the failure of some past ministers, commissioners and local government chairmen in the country who after leaving office could not sustain their riches by not being able to maintain their fleet of cars but by resorting to using tricycles.

“It is not a tragedy when a nonentity fails, but it is a tragedy when a potentially achieving person fails... It will be a tragedy if after much investment in education due to a flaw in your character, you become a failure,” he averred.

The Governor attributed the success of his administration in the past six years in Akwa Ibom to total dependence on God, enjoining the youths to allow God go before them in their endeavours and dreams to avoid making mistakes.

“Allow God to go before you. In your daily activities, seek God. In your aspiration, find out from God. In your endeavour, allow God to direct you. Be patient with yourself and your family. Be patient with your state and your country. In success, time is a very important factor. Wait for the right time. Wait on God at all times,” the governor implored.

He lauded the organisers of the seminar for bringing to Uyo cerebral resource persons outside the country, and challenged them to open up that of next year to Nigerian youths from other regions and climes.

Akpabio was particularly grateful to Niger Delta youths for their support to President Goodluck Jonathan, saying: “By this support, you are telling other Nigerians that in Niger Delta, the days of militancy, crude oil theft, robbery and other crimes are gone.”

Earlier, the Chairman of Niger Delta Young Professionals, Moses Siasia, had thanked Governor Akpabio for hosting the seminar that has made them to be trustees of prosperity.

Siasia commended the governor for the huge infrastructural renaissance in the state, noting: “We are proud of you. You will leave huge legacy after your tenure of office. For a long time, Niger Delta Region may not have a leader like you. You brought back and instilled confidence in Julius Berger Construction Company that had left Niger Delta due to militancy to assist you in developing the state.

“In the educational sector, you have given power to Akwa Ibom people and other Nigerians resident here. You are committed to the transformation agenda of President Jonathan. Unlike some leaders who insult Mr. President, you have not insulted him either openly or secretly. Indeed, your support to him is unwavering. Some of us are involved in negative tendencies, but you have given hope to the young ones through your policies and programmes.”

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio.

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