The Ambassador of Nigeria to Japan, Mrs. Oluwayimika Olumilua, has identified education, self-confidence, resilience, determination and a positive mindset as essential ingredients for overcoming challenges and breaking barriers in life.
Ambassador Olumilua stated this while delivering a lecture titled “Breaking Barriers” at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.
Addressing participants, who were predominantly female staff and students of the University, the Ambassador urged them not to allow societal expectations, fear or perceived limitations to stand in the way of their aspirations.
The legal luminary emphasised the importance of mentorship, networking and mutual support, particularly among women, stressing that no one succeeds in isolation.
According to her, breaking barriers requires 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 step beyond one’s comfort zone are critical to reaching the pinnacle of one’s chosen career.
Ambassador Olumilua further challenged the participants to become agents of positive change and role models in their families, workplaces and communities, urging them to recognise the power within themselves to make a difference.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Babatunde Omojola, expressed appreciation to Ambassador Olumilua for choosing BOUESTI as her first port of call among Nigerian universities following her appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Japan.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Ambassador for taking time to share her inspiring story of resilience, determination and faith in God, describing these qualities as essential ingredients for overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers.
Professor Omojola noted that her presence at BOUESTI was particularly significant as it provided the University community, especially its female staff and students, with an opportunity to draw inspiration from her remarkable journey and experiences.
The lecture, he said, was a powerful reminder that barriers are not necessarily walls to stop people, but challenges that can be confronted, overcome and ultimately transformed into stepping stones to greater heights.
