Nigeria’s Ambassador to Japan, Mrs Oluwayimika Olumilua, has urged Nigerians, particularly women and young people, to overcome societal limitations and pursue their aspirations with confidence, resilience and determination.
Olumilua gave the advice while delivering a lecture titled “Breaking Barriers” at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.
The lecture, which attracted predominantly female staff and students of the university, focused on the importance of personal development, courage and a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving career and life goals.
The Ambassador identified education, self-confidence, resilience, determination and a positive mindset as key ingredients for breaking barriers and succeeding in life.
She urged participants not to allow societal expectations, fear or perceived limitations to prevent them from pursuing their dreams.
According to her, mentorship, networking and mutual support are also crucial to achieving success, particularly among women.
Olumilua stressed that success rarely comes through individual effort alone, encouraging participants to build meaningful relationships, seek mentors and support others on their journey.
Breaking barriers requires courage, consistency
The Nigerian Ambassador to Japan said breaking barriers requires a combination of faith and gratitude, education and excellence, strong character and integrity, as well as resilience and grit.
She added that courage, consistency and the willingness to move beyond one’s comfort zone were essential for anyone aspiring to reach the peak of their chosen career.
Olumilua challenged the participants to become agents of positive change and role models in their families, workplaces and communities.
She encouraged them to recognise their potential and use their abilities to create meaningful change around them.
BOUESTI VC commends Ambassador
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of BOUESTI, Professor Babatunde Omojola, expressed appreciation to Ambassador Olumilua for choosing the university as her first port of call among Nigerian universities following her appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Japan.
Omojola commended the Ambassador for taking time to share her experiences and inspiring story of resilience, determination and faith in God.
He described these qualities as important ingredients for overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers in life.
The Vice-Chancellor said the Ambassador’s visit was particularly significant for the BOUESTI community, especially its female staff and students, who had the opportunity to draw inspiration from her career journey and experiences.
Professor Omojola noted that the lecture served as a reminder that barriers should not necessarily be viewed as walls designed to stop people.
Rather, he said, challenges could be confronted and overcome, eventually becoming stepping stones to greater achievements and personal growth.
The university community, he added, could draw valuable lessons from Ambassador Olumilua’s message on resilience, excellence, courage and determination.
