By David Okpala/ Stella Okpala
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Izuchukwu Nwankwo, has urged individuals to embrace preparation, hard work and continuous learning as essential tools for overcoming life’s challenges and achieving success.
He stressed that preparing for the future requires deliberate efforts in the present, warning that failure to prepare for life’s battles could amount to preparing to fail without realising it.
Fr. Nwankwo, who is the Vicar of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Akpo, Aguata Local Government Area(LGA), gave the advice during a homily at the church on Nov. 8.
He described preparation as indispensable to human existence, noting that success in any endeavour requires commitment, discipline and readiness to face challenges.
“Preparation is sine qua non to human existence. If you do not prepare to win the battles of life, you may have unknowingly prepared to lose them,” he said.
The cleric encouraged people to begin building their future today rather than depending on shortcuts, which he described as a pathway to failure.
Using education as an example, he emphasised the importance of academic commitment and hard work, noting that learning should not end with formal education.
According to him, individuals who may have missed opportunities for formal education can still acquire valuable knowledge and practical skills through informal learning, adding that both forms of education can provide opportunities for personal development and economic independence.
Drawing lessons from the biblical parable of the ten virgins, Fr. Nwankwo explained that the five wise virgins distinguished themselves through adequate preparation, as they carried extra oil for their lamps, unlike the foolish ones.
He urged individuals to equip themselves with relevant skills and abilities that would enable them to solve societal problems and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
“If anyone thinks he or she can get something from life without preparing to give something to life, such a person is preparing for failure,” he cautioned.
Fr. Nwankwo further noted that people become valuable to society when they develop services and skills that others genuinely need, stressing that competence and usefulness create opportunities for service and reward.
He urged the congregation to cultivate a culture of foresight, diligence and continuous self-development, reminding them that a successful tomorrow begins with the decisions and preparations they make today.
David Okpala/ Stella Okpala
are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#PreparationForSuccess #PersonalDevelopment #FaithAndWisdom
COMMENTARY ON WORLD SCIENCE DAY FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT: HARNESSING INNOVATION FOR A BETTER SOCIETY