Boss Mustapha Urges Nigerian Youths to Rise Above Their Background, Donates Library at 70

…Says humble beginnings should be stepping stones to success

By Godwin Agia, Taraba

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr Boss Mustapha, has urged Nigerian youths not to allow their backgrounds to limit their aspirations, saying humble beginnings can serve as stepping stones to greater achievements.

Mustapha gave the advice in Demsa, Adamawa State, during the official handover of a library complex he built and donated to the Lutheran University Nigeria (LUN) as part of activities marking his 70th birthday.

The facility, named Wesley Mustapha Library Complex, was dedicated by the Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Most Revd Musa Panti Filibus, in honour of Mustapha’s late father, who was a teacher.

Addressing young Nigerians at the event, the former SGF said his life journey demonstrated that a person’s circumstances at birth should not determine how far they can go in life.

“I want my life to be a template for the younger generation. If the son of a classroom teacher can make it, then you can make it,” Mustapha said.

“Do not allow your background to define your life; use it as a stepping stone.

“My decision to undertake this project is borne out of the need to better the lives of the generation coming after us.

“My father was a classroom teacher who rose to become a headmaster at the Government Science School founded by LCCN,” he added.

Mustapha said the donation reflected his commitment to education and his desire to create opportunities for future generations through improved access to learning resources.

Speaking at the ceremony, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who served as chairman of the occasion, commended Mustapha for choosing to commemorate his 70th birthday by investing in education rather than personal luxury.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri also praised the initiative, describing the library complex as a monument to knowledge that would serve generations of students and scholars in Adamawa State and beyond.

In his remarks, Archbishop Filibus expressed appreciation to Mustapha for the donation, describing the gesture as an enduring contribution to tertiary education and human capital development in the region.

The cleric said naming the facility after Mustapha’s late father was also a fitting recognition of his contribution to education and service as a teacher.