Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network Voice of the people
By: Ike Philip Abiagom
For vulnerable persons especially widows, orphans and the disabled living in Ibusa of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, it was a moment of pure emotional outburst as a leading philanthropist in Ibusa, Pastor Chukwudi Idowu Okeze was celebrated and hosted by Ibusa Youths Council to a grand party as part of activities to mark his 50th birthday.Speaking during the party which held at Ibusa, The President, Ibusa Youths Council, Alum Ifeanyi Asiodu noted that people were so caught up in pursuing life ambitions and generally tackling life challenges that the vulnerable are often forgotten and relegated to the background.
We are happy to host this special 50th birthday of brother, father, Patron and proud son of Ibusa Pastor Chukwudi Idowu Okeze. Nobody wants to be an orphan, a widow or disabled. These are conditions that any of us could found ourselves in. Unfortunately, we turn to pay little attention to this set of persons in our midst. We are all guilty. It is however very important that we make deliberate efforts to give them hope, show them love and give them that sense of belonging that tells them you also count and your happiness matters”.
Pastor Chukwudi Idowu Okeze is the most generous, fun, and loving person every young person should cling to, his interest in the growth and the development of youths in Ibusa make me wonder how he make out time for people even with his busy schedules. Okeze is passionate about a lot of things, sometimes I question why he has to do so much but then all of these sums up who he really is. No one or definition better describes the word intentionality but him. Okeze is intentional. He is the best definition of what it means to be intentional.
The journey of feeding families and caring for them in this trying moment as we are faced with the hardship in Nigeria, couldn’t have been possible without you pushing this goal of sustaining the poor in their lack. Many smiled again, many lived, many became hopeful because you gave them reasons to be.
PRESIDENT, IBUSA YOUTHS COUNCIL
You make each day special just by being yourself around people, you illuminate the darkest moments in the lives of people through your acts of generosity. You are kind and your care for humanity is never in doubt. If asked if I have met anyone who has lived all his life being charitable and kind to others I am going to mention Pastor Chukwudi Idowu Okeze a million times because you are a servant of the poor. The volunteers would say the same because to all of us, you are that humble, happy, and friendly teacher, yes, teacher because you are always willing and patient to guide people through the right paths and your life is a lesson to us because we learn from your actions. You are unique.
Pastor Chukwudi Idowu Okeze famous for his philanthropic heart was treated to a surprise birthday party solely sponsored by Ibusa Youths Council and was joined by his wife, children and host of celebrity crowd as they toasted Okeze’s big day with a lavish party at the palatial Oshimili North Event center in Ibusa on Saturday. Okeze is described as a man of many parts – a successful Public servant and philanthropist, Okeze has continued to shine his light on humanity. He has a long history of philanthropy. And he has repeatedly shown that he has a milk of human kindness flowing in his DNA. Okeze has continued to be a blessing to humanity, It is really no shock that Idowu Okeze is in the spotlight for his 50th birthday as he has over the years worked hard, learned the ropes and currently on top of his game.
Idowu Okeze is Known for his bright personality which has won him a wide network of high-profile friends, Okeze in spite of his accomplishments remains humble and accommodating.
Commenting on the gesture of Ibusa Youths Council, Idowu Okeze said his decision to bless the youths of his village was borne out of his gratitude to God and the goodwill of youths who are the fulcrum of his fan base.
He said, “God has been faithful to me. He has blessed me with good health, good family and grace more than you can imagine. Aside from giving God thanks in my closet, this little gestures to the youths and my followers is also a way of appreciation to God.”
Idowu Okeze has in commemoration of his birthday, empowered about Fifteen persons from Ibusa with the financial supports from friends and families, The beneficiaries received hair dressing equipment, Sewing Machine among numerous others. The widows were not left out on the birthday as his committee of friends doles out cash gifts to hundreds of widows to enable them cushion the effect of the hard times at the weekend.
Alum Asiodu lauded the benefactor for always using his resources in serving God and humanity and called on youths to prepare themselves for the future through education, diligence and acquisition of necessary skills, as according to him, there is dignity in labour and he urges them to put all they have received to good use. Some of the beneficiaries who bared their minds noted in emotions laden voices that they had not expected such a gesture especially from someone who is not a politician.
According to Madam Comfort, 52 year old widow and mother of seven “it takes only a man with the heart of gold to remember people like us and to decide to host us to a party. Look at all the big men that are well dressed, he appealed to all of them to support the Ibusa widows financially to mark his 50th birthday. I feel loved and happy for the first time since my husband’s death thirteen years ago. Usually, it is during campaign that people remember us to share us gift. This is different”. I can’t believe it. In the past, we have been receiving gifts through our widows union from him but this is the first time that someone in his position is hosting us and even interacting with us as if he was a part of us. I feel so happy and pray that God will bless him a lot” Madam Comfort said.
