The Head, Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau, Abia State, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, has urged Nigerian youth to rise above life’s limitations and unlock their potentials for personal growth, national progress, and global relevance.
Delivering a keynote address entitled; “Rising Above Limitations: Unlocking the Potentials of Nigerian Youth” at the Methodist Youth Conference in Mbala Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA, Abia State, Dr. Chukwu echoed Nelson Mandela’s words that “everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated and passionate.”
He described limitations as physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual obstacles that hinder progress, warning that failure to overcome them could result in stagnation, dependency, and poverty of purpose.
“The fastest way to rise above your limitations is to believe in yourself and embrace the ‘I can do’ spirit. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” he said.
Highlighting challenges facing young Nigerians—ranging from poor access to quality education, unemployment, poverty, insecurity, inadequate skills, and lack of entrepreneurial funding—he noted that World Bank data shows over 40% of Nigerians (about 87 million people) live below the poverty line, most of them youth.
Dr. Chukwu emphasized that overcoming these hurdles would lead to resilience, leadership growth, creativity, community engagement, and economic transformation. He cited global figures such as Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Elon Musk, Stephen Hawking, Maya Angelou, and Saidy Brown, alongside biblical role models like David, Joseph, Esther, and Paul, as examples of triumph over adversity.
As pathways for empowerment, he advocated improved access to resources, mentorship, skills development, networking, and opportunities for innovation. He urged youths to pursue holistic growth—professionally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually—with courage and determination.
“Little minds are subdued by misfortune, but great minds rise above them. Do not be tamed by challenges on your journey—soar like eagles, for God’s plan is to give you hope and a future,” he charged.
