GABRIEL CHY ALONTA
The Labour Party flagbearer for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Chief Anthony Ikenna Okafor, has challenged Nigerian youths to embrace trade and entrepreneurship as indispensable tools for economic survival and national development.
Okafor, who is the Chief Executive Officer of TK Foods and Beverages, gave the charge on Friday, 19th June, 2026, at the Multipurpose Hall of 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 in celebration of academic excellence and purposeful leadership.
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 save, endurance in service, customer relations, accountability and humility are some of the ingredients required for success in business and life.
“My lecture to UNIZIK 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,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of ego management, good customer relationships, and commitment to excellence, while encouraging students to cultivate alternative sources of livelihood that would sustain them beyond graduation.
In recognition of his immense contributions to business development and humanitarian services, Chief Anthony Ikenna Okafor was honoured with an Award of Excellence, a development that attracted applause from participants and underscored his impact on society.
In a remark, the Head of Department of Educational Foundations, Prof. Ugochukwu Ifeyinwa Offor, described the students as agents of change and urged them to maximize 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, the 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.
Also speaking, Prof. Kingsley Nwosu, in a lecture on “The God Factor: Foundations for True Success and Excellence,” reminded the students that genuine success cannot be divorced 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.
Earlier, the President of EFSA, Comrade Chinemelum Nwobu, welcomed guests and charged the inductees to remain open-minded and take their academic journey seriously.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Chumartins Onunkwo, expressed profound appreciation to the university management, resource persons, staff and students for honouring the invitation and contributing to the success of the induction ceremony. He particularly commended the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Anthony Ikenna Okafor, while urging the newly inducted students to uphold the values of discipline, excellence and integrity.
Highlights of the event included oath-taking, empowerment programmes and presentation of awards. The Head of Department, Prof. Offor, and the Staff Adviser, Rev. Fr. Ezennaka, were presented with portraits in appreciation of their immense contributions to the growth and development of students.