Beneficiaries celebrate Enoidem’s humanitarian accomplishments BY EKONG INYANG

“Not all rich people are givers, but most wealthy persons who give do so for political reasons and or to gain public attention, outside of genuine conviction, whereas few others, who give, do so because they have the special grace to give. No wealthy individual gives except he is gifted with the spirit of giving: for the art in itself is a gift from the Divine; and He bestows it on very special people.”-Anonymous.

There’s an African adage that says “take care of the root in order to heal the tree.” This wise saying in this context is timely and apt. It captures vividly the essence and importance of humanitarian drive by one of the state’s political icons and philanthropists par excellence, Barrister Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, who believes that for a people to grow and develop in all capacities, the root of the problem must be tackled; and whatever problems found must be genuinely, holistically and mercilessly resolved/solved without biases irrespective of where the subject hails from as far as such a person is of Akwa Ibom extraction.

This singular philosophical thought, driven by an innate desire to assist those nature has so graciously disfavoured and equally those so favoured but yet to realise their sound financial footing to have a leeway in life. Consequently, while he still served the state as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Treasurer, in 2006, founded and sponsored a foundation with very broad term of reference.

The Foundation known and addressed as the Enoidem Foundation with the motto: adding value to life, is indeed; a vintage service oriented vehicle aimed at bolstering individual, community and the state at large economically, socially and politically; especially as the seven point-agenda of the Foundation include but not limited to (a) galvanising the 31 councils of the of the state as one indivisible unit (b) empowering the Akwa Ibom Youths through effective and sustained education pursuit (c) workshops and seminars organising (c) offer of scholarships to indigent undergraduates in Nigerian or World’s Institutions and (d) giving or advancing financial as well as free medical assistance to women and the aged within and without the shores of the state, etcetera; according to the Foundation’s Head, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko.

So far, over 700 students have graduated from the foundation’s educational assistance, while about 400 hundred others are at various stages of assorted programmes at various institutions in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. According to Mrs Uko, the Foundation was even established in 2006, prior to Enoidem becoming the commissioner, “so you can see that he doesn’t do so because he wants to take credit as a public servant in assisting humanity, but to fulfil and satisfy a life-long dream- a longing to serve humanity irrespective of where one comes from.  As we speak, it is a well-known fact within reasonable circumference, that his benevolence knows no ethnic boundaries. He has created a model that should be emulated by others in such capacity. No news or broadcast had been made of his humanitarian works because the focus has never been on the positives in our clime, but that which centres on politically related issues and how to drag the good name of great minds like Barr Emmanuel Enoidem in the mud. But his spirit remains unbroken because he had from time been blessed by the Almighty to render service to humanity and this is exactly what he is doing.” The National President of Enoidem’s Foundation with branches in Uyo and Ikot Abasi local government areas says.

Apart from the foundation’s sustained educational pursuit, which has seen more than a thousand beneficiaries in eight years, with seven hundred JAMB forms already purchased this academic season so far for university aspirants from within and outside the state, the foundation’s focus is to see how the youths in the state could become self- reliant and financially independent so that incidences of theft and other related violent crimes associated with poverty can drastically be reduced in the society.

To avoid financial abuse which was observed prior to the setting up of the foundation by people who were entrusted with the running of the affairs at the initial stages “and to avoid further abuses, a body to coordinate and harness every vision by the benefactor was considered. This consideration led to the founding of Enoidem Foundation in 2006. It’s this foundation that oversees and sponsors by way of administering every humanitarian activity which has culminated into this great success we have attained today, owing to the great spirit behind the vision.” Obonodo stresses

The National President said the organisation doesn’t deal only with students issues, every year, she says, Enoidem distributes cars to people across the length and breadth of the entire state saying “last year, an Oron man was among the over 15 beneficiaries.” She stressed.  No, he doesn’t want to know whether you are from Annang or anywhere but his benevolence cuts across all boundaries and dialectical blocs,” she said in an answer to a question raised by this reporter.

“Every year people are given cars, bags of rice, wrappers and general entertainment. He doesn’t want to know where a beneficiary hails from but his interest is in getting lives touched. Last year, some people came into Etim Ekpo Local Government Area from Port Harcourt and Ibadan, and they were treated of their ailments free of charge. They were equally kept and fed free until they were well enough to return to their respective homes. That’s Enoidem’s spirit.” She says.

In the same vein, beneficiaries of Barr Enoidem’s benevolence have come out enmasse to appraise their benefactor, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem and have given him a distinction mark in what they strongly believe is the Rural Duties Commissioner’s selling point, agreeing that all it requires to benefit from his longsuffering magnanimity is a one on one meeting with this large heart giver.

From Uyo to Eket and across the length and breadth of Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts, his philanthropy resonates, beneficiaries agog with pride demonstrate love and commitment to his cause, volunteered information, and let this reporter into how most of them were and are still being touched by the man with uncommon milk of human kindness; who is described by his admirers and beneficiaries respectively, as willing to give his last in order to make someone smile. Some say they haven’t gained financially but that what they have gained from him exceeds what can be valued in monetary terms.

For instance, Mr Iboro Silas Ntiabong- a native of Ntak Inyang, Eka Uruk Eshiet in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, says of Enoidem’s magnanimity. “I have not benefitted from him financially, but what he did for me marvelled me and will forever remain evergreen in my memory. I was searching for a job and somebody took me to him. As we alighted from the vehicle that took us to the place and we walked up to him, after exchange of pleasantries, I told him of my mission but instead of asking where I came from or even asking me to come back the following day, as is the custom of some people; he just grabbed my hand, took me to his car and asked me to entre. To my shock, we drove straight to Julius Berger site and just he handed me over to the Whiteman and I was instantly engaged. Though Iam no more working there, but he had left an indelible mark in me and I’m eternally grateful for that singular act,” Silas who is full of gratitude to Barr Enoidem said adding that one did not need to come from the giver’s domain to benefit from his benevolence. 

This line of reasoning seems to have gained prominence in the minds of respondents, as everyone agreed that he gives without hesitancy or even wanting to know where you come from. “But what he doesn’t want is see ‘baggers’ with no tangible grounds for assistance clustering around him but people with genuine grounds for assistance, I’m sure, are always welcome; that is, if you can see him as he is a very busy person.” Says Ntiabong

Collaborating Ntiabong’s line of reasoning, one of the beneficiaries-an amputee, who was in need of a wheelchair two years ago, he told this reporter in confidence that prior to meeting Enoidem and having his problem solved, he had been soliciting help from every available individual- known and unknown, yet he was usually told to come back, but on meeting with Barr Enoidem; his story has changed.

The thirty-three years old amputee from Nsit Ubium LGA says “when I got to see him and after I related my story to him, he asked me to write a request and I did to the tune of N350, 000 and had it sent to him. To my greatest surprise, the request didn’t tarry three days as he gave the approval for the release of the money,” adding that he actually got the approved amount three weeks later and purchased his wheelchair.  

For that reason, the grateful soul sends his regards to his benefactor saying “thank you for giving me an opportunity and a platform as strong as Insight newspaper to say thank you Sir for not pushing me away or ignoring me as others previously did. Thank you so very much, Barr Enoidem,” the thankful creature avers.

Though now deceased, Mr Samuel Udo, another Ntak Inyang, Etim Ekpo son, a physically challenged was being sponsored through the University of Uyo by Enoidem but death struck few months after graduating from the institution.
According to Mr Iboro Ntiabong, the deceased met his untimely death in the hand of a woman who was indebted to him in the same village. From gleaned information, the perpetrator is cooling her feet at Ikot Akpan Abia police headquarters. Nonetheless, Enoidem’s humanity is fast becoming a noticeable feat amongst his foes and friends alike.

Due to Enoidem’s kind heartedness, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom Council, Elder Patrick Albert, calls him a friend of the Media- a term only bestows on media friendly individuals. This implies that such a man or individual doesn’t close their doors against the press whenever their attention is needed. In this wise, many journalists in the state have directly and indirectly benefitted from Enoidem’s humanity.

According to findings, most beneficiaries do agree that Enoidem’s kindness does not stop with people from his domain-Annang dialectical bloc, but that it extends to every nook and cranny of the state because according to them, one of the focuses of his foundation’s term of references is to galvanise the entire 31 council areas of Akwa Ibom State into one indivisible unit whereby skills, transfer of expertise and  knowledge as well as massive educational drive that will enhance quality and set the people free from clutches of enslavement would be holistically pursued and attained. This, they agree that their benefactor believes will reduce incidences of violent crimes amongst our teeming youth population.  

Giving vent to this assertion, an Oruk Anam born Nnamso Donatus Idiong has this to say of Hon Emmanuel Enoidem’s humanity. “Barr Enoidem is a channel sent by God to most people including me, and I remain grateful to him for his wealth of experience which I have learnt from and his willingness to always help.
“If we have more of such people in positions who are willing to empower and encourage others to grow, I think we would be better politically and economically,” the erudite scholar in an SMS wrote.

Similarly, Mr Nsima Ekong, a beneficiary from Ukanafun has this to say of Enoidem’s philanthropy. “He is a good man, that’s all I have to say of him. But if being good translates to him giving me money: yes, he has given money to me. Aside the monetary issue, he’s a man with a good heart.” Mr Ekong says.

In life, no man has ever gotten it all right with everyone they deal with on a daily basis talk-less of a politician in a position of authority. This is because there are no virgins in maternity wards, anywhere globally. To the petty minded, Enoidem is the devil incarnate whereas to others, he’s the deity that must be venerated and those in this category are willing to do everything to protect their object that brings life back to the dead trees, in fulfilment of the earlier quoted verse   ”take care of the root in order to heal a tree.” Beneficiaries of Enoidem’s magnanimity do not see the politician in him but they consider his kindness and humility toward their plights and aver that he is their hero, inspite of his political crosses if really there are any.

Hear what Mr Mike Udofia, a Vice Principal is saying about him. “Enoidem’s philanthropy is not in doubt at all. It is only pathological enemies that will say that Enoidem is a bad man: Iam a direct beneficiary of his benevolence. He has touched me greatly though I’m not and indigent person. He doesn’t only help indigent people but anyone who he feels has concrete need for such help.

“He gives to churches and secular organisations because he believes that when you water others you yourself will be watered. I know of congregations outside his congregation that have benefitted from his humanity. Don’t forget that he is of the Power city but he finds it expedient to give to other churches.

“I had a need and went to him and after I told him of my problem, he said to me: is that all? And I answered him in the affirmative. Two days after that he sent me exactly the quantity and quality of that which I asked for. He gives not because he wants something in return from those he has helped. What will they be able to give to him in return?” He queries.

Continuing, Udofia says, “Iam not a politician so I don’t think he gives to politicians or to people of his Annang stock only. But his giving is inherent and he only expresses it because God faithfully bestows such love in his heart.” The Vice Principal said adding that Enoidem is a brand that should be emulated by all.  
Another recipient who says the humanitarian foray of Enoidem is real concludes that he is a direct beneficiary and recipient of the Commissioner’s philanthropic gesture. Pastor Udim Inyang from Ika LGA is full of praises to God Almighty for giving somebody like Enoidem the grace to affect lives not only of those from his political or dialectical bloc, but to people from all walks of life.

Hear Pastor Udim, “It’s real because I’m a direct beneficiary of his humanitarian ministries that God has given to him. He does it to his detriment yet does not care if it hurts or not. Iam a direct beneficiary of that benevolence. He doesn’t need to know where you come from. His philanthropy cuts across all ethnic and dialectical blocs. It is not an Annang thing but something that reaches out to the entire state. Let me say it again, I’ve benefitted from all angles of his humanitarian ministries.” He says and adds “I wouldn’t want to be specific about the areas I’ve has benefitted but it cuts across both cash and kind.”

In like manner, the Methodist Archbishop of Uyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Udofia says of Barr Emmanuel Enoidem’s humanitarian drive, “he has affected the lives of people in this state, across board. He does not discriminate between the Orthodox Ministers and the Pentecostal Preachers or the Catholics etc. That is what makes somebody great! Once you get the attention of Barrister Enoidem and tell him your problem, he will smile and leave, and the next day you’ll see him solve your problems. That is how God called him: if he wasn’t brought to the position of authority, if he wasn’t brought to limelight or to government as well as to the position of empowerment, that his talent or ministry will still be in the cooler. Is he the only commissioner?  We’ve had commissioners, we’ve had so many of them in the past,

so many who had amassed wealth and afterward will travel to Lagos or Dubai and the rest.
“But he has been able to utilise the little within his portfolio to influence lives and his community. So he is one man…I remember two years ago, I preached a sermon in the state House and he just held me and said: Bishop, that was fantastic sermon, what do you need? And I told him please, I’m packing to my house and he said I’ll send a generator to you and in two days, a generator was delivered to my doorstep. As we speak now, I can tell you that I don’t know Enoidem’s house, his parents, his wife or children. I only pray for him as I pray for others. If he does that to me why wouldn’t God touch his heart to do even more for his community? And I want to believe that there’s no indigent person that will have need and go to Enoidem and will return not refreshed. Because I know he has got human sympathy and a good heart and I thank God for his life and that of His Excellency; because that’s how His Excellency is: he throws his hands and blesses people.

“That’s how government supposes to be. Everybody is not bound to be the same,  everybody cannot be in government, everybody cannot be a commissioner, but once you are there, try as much as possible to make sure that your community, your brothers and sisters, the less privileged, the church you’re worshipping in and community benefits from your benevolence. Last time, I eulogized him and the governor because you see some commissioners that will go to the Governor and tell him let’s go to my church and as they go to that church, the concept changes.

“He [Enoidem] has done it. How many times? He believes in his Pastors, he believes in his people and I don’t think that his Pastors have any lacks. That is how to know people who are committed both to God and to their families and to the church which they belong. That they don’t just come to thank God after their time in government has expired, what stopped you from thanking God while you were still active in service? What did you do for people?” the staunch man of God said of Enoidem.

On whether Enoidem has been of any assistance to his church, the bulky preacher has this to say. “We have had series of launchings and he has supported us that much. Even at the Christian Council of Nigeria’s, CCN, Conference, we had need and we went to him and he gave the highest amount and even on top of that he gave us pocket money- the envelop was for the National Body but the transport money was for us at the state level. That is because the state exco went to brief him on-behalf of the National Exco. He has been of tremendous assistance to our church.” The religious scholar says.

Alluding to the personage’s benevolence, a very close friend and direct index beneficiary, programmes coordinator, yet one of Enoidem’s appointees, Mr Godson Uwah, extols the good virtue of his master, averring that his boss’s humanitarian drive is legendary though unfortunately that it has not been reported because he does not want anyone to know about them.

Nevertheless, Godson acknowledges the sterling leadership qualities embedded in his boss and says “Enoidem as a person was born a giver and when his engagements prevent him from actualising life’s objectives, he can become ill.”  ”For instance,” he says, “if one makes a request to him and he cannot immediately meet it, then; he becomes restless because he wants to assist that individual in need. This desire to love and make everyone smile is a trait hardly found in many people.

For this reason, the Enoidem Foundation came into effect to redeem many: not only indigent people but as many that can be assisted by him directly or via the foundation.

Hear him “Enoidem has provided scholarships to over 1000 students in tertiary institutions across the nation and in the Diaspora, the building of 150 bed space hospital at Etim Ekpo LGA to take care of medical needs of the less privileged irrespective of tribe, creed and tongue of the beneficiary is still on going. As we speak, about three hundred and fifty or more people are presently on his scholarship list.”

Others he says are the “building of halls for skill acquisition and small and medium businesses and centre for extra mural studies as well as the purchase of 700 hundred JAMB forms for would be students this academic session.”

Godson avers that Enoidem runs and operates an open door policy that enables every Etim Ekpo and even non- Etim Ekpo people as well as those from the former Abak Division, to have free and unhindered access to him even in his country home at Ikot Eboro, Etim Ekpo LGA; even as he says that over 20 sewing machines are lying untouched waiting for those women and girls who would come to learn skills in the tailoring business to grab them.

In her conclusion, the National President, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko collaborating Godson Uwah’s assertion on Enoidem’s Humanitarian drive says “the foundation had last year bought wrappers, motor cars for people outside Annang land and every year we host people and give meaning to their existence. That’s what the Enoidem’s Foundation and its Sponsor represent. Barr Emmanuel Moses Enoidem is God sent to humanity.” She said.