Yesterday, I was honoured to speak with the students and management of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt, as part of their 20th Anniversary celebration.

Engaging with the students, I shared my story of how I was raised in the mud, but I chose not to remain in the mud. I remember telling my mum that when I grew up, I would live in the marble—and today, I do live in the marble.

My story was not shared simply to tell where I came from, but to challenge the students to understand that where they are today is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility. They should become embodiments of goodwill and representatives of good and holistic character, both within and beyond the four walls of the school.

But this begins with discovering who they are—their identity.

I challenged them with a simple but profound question:

Who are you when your parents or teachers are not there?

The answer to that question reveals something about your identity.

There are two kinds of people: the definers and the drifters.

Having seen the brilliance, curiosity, and hunger for knowledge in these students, I encouraged them not to become drifters but definers. Definers are deliberate creators of their own reality. If I could change the narrative of my life, then they, too, can change theirs.

That is the mindform of a definer.

Great students are not chasers; they embody greatness. They don't expect it; they express it.

That is what it means to be a student who is a definer.

Many thanks to the management and staff of Charles Dale Memorial International Schoolfor the honour and privilege to share with these remarkable students on such a significant occasion.

I pray that God will continually increase the school in numbers, in wealth, and in knowledge, and that its impact will continue to shape generations to come.

Happy 20th Anniversary, Charles Dale Memorial School!