Awosika gave the advice while speaking at an empowerment summit organised by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Team of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Region 59 Headquarters, Lagos, over the weekend.
The business leader and former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria said success is not achieved overnight but is built through knowledge acquisition, discipline, strategic thinking and the willingness to continuously improve oneself.
According to her, individuals and entrepreneurs must understand that learning remains a lifelong process, adding that the knowledge gained today can become a major asset in shaping future opportunities.
She emphasised the need for Nigerians to recognise and respect the value every individual brings to society, regardless of gender, age or background.
“Everybody carries unique value, and building a future that works requires that we respect the contributions of every individual,” she said.
Awosika identified financial management, quality education, transferable skills, purposeful planning, effective decision-making, discipline, networking and constant personal reinvention as key factors needed to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
She noted that businesses with long-term relevance are created by entrepreneurs who can balance immediate actions with future goals.
“Sustainable businesses are built by focusing on long-term goals while executing short-term strategies,” she said.
Encouraging participants to develop a mindset that supports growth, Awosika said: “A teachable heart is a progressive heart. Anticipate your project and understand your market. Know what the problem is because it is your strategic advantage. You also cannot afford not to have multi-generational thinking.”
She explained that understanding market needs, identifying problems and developing solutions are essential for entrepreneurs who want to create businesses that remain relevant over time.
Also speaking at the summit, Global Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expert and Founder of Ibile Vogue, Dr Temitope Olanre-Alade, highlighted the importance of vocational skills in driving economic empowerment and national development.
Olanre-Alade said practical skills should not be viewed as alternatives to formal education but as an extension of learning that equips individuals with the ability to solve real-world problems.
“Skills do not replace formal education; they represent its highest expression,” she said.
She added that nations that invest in equipping young people with practical competencies are not only creating a productive workforce but are also laying the foundation for stronger economic growth and a more resilient future.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Ubosi Eleh + Co, Chudi Ubosi, encouraged participants to explore opportunities in the real estate sector, describing it as a viable investment option with significant long-term potential.
He, however, noted that success in real estate requires patience, strategic planning and a commitment to understanding market trends.
The Assistant Pastor in Charge of Region 59 Headquarters (CSR), RCCG, Bayo Olugbemi, said the summit was organised to equip Nigerians with knowledge and expose them to investment opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
Olugbemi explained that the initiative was aimed at helping participants become more productive, financially informed and better positioned to contribute positively to national development.
The Coordinator of CSR, Region 59 Headquarters, RCCG, Kunle Eyitemi, added that the programme was designed to inspire hope, encourage participants to maximise their talents and provide practical guidance for achieving personal and professional success.