Young people can achieve whatever they set their minds to achieve if they believe in themselves, remain resilient in pursuit of their aspirations and intentionally network, President of the Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF), Jude Pepple has said.

Pepple said this on Thursday, September 19, 2024 when he led a delegation comprising members of the Forum to make donations of educational materials to three secondary schools: Community Junior Secondary School, Bonny, Community Junior Secondary School, Finima and Government Girls Secondary School, Finima (UBE), all in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Addressing the students, the BGF President encouraged them to make the best of situations they find themselves, pointing out that “self-doubt is the greatest obstacle to success. Believe in your abilities, and you’ll unlock your true potential”.

“Life will throw challenges, but your ability to bounce back will determine your success; that’s why I’m saying that resilience is key.”

“Also know that there is power in networking. So, build meaningful relationships, and you’ll open doors to opportunities and growth.”

Earlier, a member of the Forum, Godswill Jumbo had delivered a pep talk on career pursuit and preparing for the future, urging the students to desire the future they like, make decisions to pursue it and determine not to be distracted by challenges that may confront them on the path to achieving success.

He emphasized the importance of self-belief, hardwork, self-discovery, goal-setting, and identification of personal strengths and weaknesses, noting that these are the building blocks of successful people, enjoining the students to imbibe them to achieve personal growth and success in life.

Highlight of the event was the donation educational materials, including books, writing materials and support to some of the underprivileged students.

The Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF), a convergence of indigent professionals of Bonny origin from diverse walks of life who are dedicated to empowering students and young professionals, organized the donations which is aimed at inspiring and equipping students with the necessary mindset and skills to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

Speaking to Kristina Reports, Principal of Community Junior Secondary School, Bonny, Elizabeth Akwe commended the Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF) for the donation, praying that God Almighty will replenish them, urging other groups and organizations to emulate the gesture.

She lamented that the condition of the school was appalling and in urgent need of intervention, informing that appeals made to multinationals in Bonny LGA and the Bonny Chiefs Council were yet to be responded to, calling on well-meaning and philanthropy minded members of the society to assist.

In an interview with Kristina Reports, Senior Prefect of Community Junior Secondary School, Bonny, Justina Allison thanked the Bonny Graduate Forum for the kind gesture, noting that it underscored the thoughtfulness of the Forum towards the wellbeing of the students, calling on the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to intervene in the school.

She lamented that her school needs buildings of its own so that she and her fellow students can have all the facilities a normal school should have, stressing that learning in the present condition is difficult as they lack teaching aids, desks to sit, and the roofs leaking water when it rains.