Stop Waiting for Tomorrow, Prepare to Lead Today – Michael Abakam

Stop Waiting for Tomorrow, Prepare to Lead Today – Michael Abakam

The Managing Director of Azimarine, Engr. Michael Abakam, has urged young people in Eket Federal Constituency to stop waiting for the future to define them and begin building the capacity to lead, create and succeed today.

Abakam made the call while hosting members of the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals (EFCMP) at the Azimarine headquarters in Ibeno.

He challenged young people to rethink the familiar “leaders of tomorrow” description, stressing that leadership is built through preparation, competence, discipline and service, not age or titles.

According to him, formal education remains valuable, but must be strengthened with practical skills that enable young people to create opportunities rather than depend solely on existing ones.

Abakam drew from his personal experience, revealing that he learnt welding despite coming from a family that owns the company. He urged young people to discard the perception that vocational skills are inferior, noting that skilled professionals can build rewarding careers and achieve financial independence.

He also advocated leadership summits, youth reorientation programmes and mentorship platforms where young people can engage experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, gain practical knowledge and develop the confidence required to take on responsibility.

Abakam called on established individuals to deliberately create pathways for younger people, stressing that leadership becomes more meaningful when it opens doors for others.

The Azimarine boss also spoke on the relationship between Eket and Ibeno, calling for greater unity and collaboration between the neighbouring communities.

He urged both communities to focus on their shared interests and economic opportunities rather than allowing differences to undermine collective progress.

“Eket and Ibeno should not fight ourselves. We cannot succeed when we fight ourselves. We are one, and when we are united, nothing can disrupt our growth.”

The EFCMP Chairman, Comrade Enobong Nsima, commended Abakam for Azimarine’s contribution to employment and economic activity within the constituency.

Nsima said the media professionals were prepared to build a mutually beneficial relationship with the company by highlighting its activities and contributions to society.

The interaction ultimately centred on a shared vision: equipping young people with the capacity to lead, creating opportunities for economic independence and strengthening unity as a foundation for sustainable development.