Don't give up on your dreams – Azumah Nelson tells SHS students

Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, popularly known as "The Professor," has encouraged youth to persevere in the face of challenges.

Speaking at the final session of his inaugural Zoom Zoom Clinics program on August 9, 2024, at the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) in Accra, he marked the end of a two-month journey aimed at mentoring and inspiring young minds across the country.

He shared his personal story of overcoming adversity while addressing a gathering of students from PRESEC, West African Senior High, Labone SHS, and Accra Girls, among other schools, urging them to focus on their goals.

"Today, some of you are good in mathematics, others in English and other subjects, but sometimes you don't do well, and then you try to give up. But never give up, whatever you are doing, just keep doing it. 

"Just keep doing it. Like I said before, I went there, and the guy beat me so badly that I came home and couldn't sleep. 

“The following day, I went again, and another day I went again until I became the world champion. So, whatever you people are doing, please just keep doing it. Don't give up, because if I had given up initially, I wouldn’t be sitting down with you people here today. So, follow the same trend and keep doing your best. Don't give up,” he said. 

The initiative, launched on July 4, was designed to impart not only boxing skills but also core values such as discipline, hard work, and determination.

The Zoom Zoom Clinics, which partnered with the Ghana Boxing Federation and received sponsorship from GCB Bank, have been a significant success. 

Nelson’s program aimed to empower the youth of Ghana with values that extend beyond the ring.

Over the past two months, Nelson and his team visited schools in Tamale, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Accra, engaging with students aged 12-18.

During the session, Nelson shared seven principles he attributes to his success: time management, honesty and respect, good preparation and discipline, avoiding drugs, hard work and determination, never giving up, and faith in God.

The event also featured an interactive quiz, where Nestor Kabutey, a second-year Science student, won a GH₵3,000 cash prize.

Samuel Aidoo, Executive Director of Wholesale & Investment Banking at GCB Bank, added, "It was a fantastic opportunity when Azumah approached us for a partnership. Many lessons can be learned from his career," he said.

He further stated that determination in life is a very key principle in achieving individual goals, so the students, despite the knocks life may bring, should focus and be determined to achieve their goals.

AM/OGB

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