05/01/2025
THE PRESIDENT SPEECH, AT THE 2024 NIKYOB STUDENTS ASSOCIATION(NISA) NATIONAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
His Royal Highness Tum Nikyob 1 Mallam Tanko Tete; which is fully represented by Engr. Musa Tanko Tete, the NIDA national president; Mr. Manasseh Mamman Tuckson, the counselor of Kaninkon ward; Hon. Irimiya Sam Pakachi, our able and loaded speakers, special guest, the great Nikyob students, Ladies and gentlemen, good morning and welcome to our 2024 NISA conference, themed, CHAMPIONING CHANGE: Inspiring Students to Embrace Leadership Roles and Champion Their Passions.
Today, I want to talk to you about two simple words that carry a weight far greater than their size: "If only." These words can echo in our minds, haunting us with the choices we didn't make, the paths we didn't take, and the dreams we didn't chase. They can become a prison of regret, holding us back from the vibrant lives we are meant to lead. But what if I told you that "if only" doesn't have to be a lament? What if it could be a catalyst for change?
Think about it. How many times have you found yourself saying, "if only Nikyob was united" or "If only our fathers stood and did things together positively" or " If only I had read for my exams" or "If only I pursued my passion"? Each of these thoughts can feel like a weight on our shoulders, a reminder of what could have been. But heres the truth: the past is unchangeable. We cannot rewrite our history, but we can redefine our future.
Instead of allowing "if only" to paralyze us, lets transform it into a powerful motivator. Lets use it as a springboard to propel us forward. When you catch yourself dwelling on the past, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to fuel my ambition?
Imagine a world where "if only" becomes "I will." "I will take that leap of faith." "I will study hard" "I will embrace the unknown." "I will pursue my dreams with relentless passion." This shift in mindset is not just a change in words; it's a change in perspective. It's about taking ownership of our lives and recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to create something new( new for yourself, new for your family, new for the Nikyob nation and the nation Nigeria at large).
Every great achievement in history was once just a dream, a flicker of possibility that someone dared to pursue. Think of the inventors, the artists, the leaders who faced their own "if only" moments. They didn't let regret define them; they let it inspire them. They took risks, faced failures, and learned from their mistakes. They turned "if only" into "I did."
So, I challenge you today: the next time you find yourself caught in the web of regret, pause and reflect. What can you do today to ensure that your future self won't be saying "if only"? Take that class you've been thinking about. Start that business you've dreamed of. Reach out to that person you've been meaning to connect with.
Life is too short to be held back by what could have been. Embrace the power of "I will." Let it guide you, push you, and inspire you to take action. Remember, the only thing standing between you and your dreams is the courage to take that first step.
So, let's turn "if only" into a rallying cry for resilience, growth, and action. Lets create a future where we look back not with regret, but with pride in the choices we made and the lives we lived.
This only will be possible, "ONLY IF" we take action today.
CHAMPIONING CHANGE IS VERY MUCH POSSIBLE, "ONLY IF":
-ONLY IF we choose to change our mind set.
- ONLY IF we choose to learn.
- ONLY IF we choose to change and unite ourselves.
- ONLY IF we choose to walk together as Nikyob one big family.
- ONLY IF we choose to be change makers and intentional with our choices.
It is my prayer that, we will take the right decision and action to bring the change we need in our schools, in our businesses, in our works and in Nikyob land.
Sit tight, listen attentively, smile, have fun and enjoy the conference.
Thank you.
DAGARICK DIZANGA DICKSON
NISA NATIONAL PRESIDENT.
