By: Da’audu Stephen Salawu-JP,
DG, Eyi’ze Development Foundation and Public Affairs Commentator
The Greek playwright, Aeschylus coined the term philanthropy in the 5th century BCE. It meant “love of humanity.” Today, philanthropy means generosity in all its forms and is often defined as giving gifts of “time, talent and treasure” to help make life better for other people regardless of how many resources (or how few) that person has.
Attaining the age of 60 years is a significant milestone in one’s life, marking the beginning of a new chapter. For many, 60 is the traditional retirement age, allowing individuals to transition from their working life to a more relaxed pace. In many countries, 60 is the age when individuals become eligible for senior citizen benefits, discounts, and privileges.
By 60, individuals have accumulated a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom, making them valuable mentors and advisors. 60 is often considered the beginning of the “golden years,” a time for relaxation, travel, and pursuing hobbies.
Reaching 60 is often accompanied by respect and recognition from family, friends, and community for a life well-lived. 60 can be a time for personal growth, reflection, and self-improvement, as individuals look back on their accomplishments and set new goals. Many individuals at 60 start thinking about their legacy and how they want to be remembered.
In many cultures, it’s considered a symbol of wisdom, maturity, and experience. The significance of attaining age 60 involves, retirement and transition to a new phase of life, reflection on accomplishments and legacy, greater wisdom and life perspective. It also involves, increased respect and recognition from society, having a sense of fulfillment and contentment and of course, the opening of a new chapter for personal growth and exploration.
Da’audu Chief, Dr., Sir Barnabas Adeku Ojiah, was born to the family of late Mr. Joseph Ohiani Ojiah & Mama Juliana Onozare Ojiah JP on the 11th June 1964. Dr. Barny Ojiah’s scholastic pursuit started with his primary education, O’levels, University Diploma, bagged a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration, and an Honorary Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers and a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management and the prestigious Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science (D.Sc) Honoris Causa in Leadership and Corporate Governance with all its rights and Privileges.
Sir Barny Ojiah’s working career as a successful entrepreneur saw him on the board of several companies under CREDCO, a major player in the power transmission and distribution sector with staff strength of over 100 both fulltime and contract staff and chairs the following affiliate companies: Metro Logistics Ltd; Multiple Power Engineering Co. Ltd; Credco Quarry Ltd; Metro Farms; Metro Empire; Standard Chartered Insurance Brokers Ltd and served on the Board of Ebira Peoples Association (EPA), a socio-cultural umbrella organization of Ebira tribe, home and in diaspora.
His development philanthropist disposition has earned him several honorary traditional titles including, the traditional title of Eyi’ze of of Ebiraland. He is the Founder/Life Patron of EYIZE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, a worldwide empowerment NGO. He is married and blessed with 4 (four) children with several non-biological wards under his philanthropic care and support.
From all indices of judgement and close scrutiny, Barny is imbued with qualities of an altruistic philanthropist. One of the most important qualities of a good philanthropist is generosity. He is a good philanthropist who is willing to give his time, energy, and resources to support the causes he cares about and also passionate about the causes he supports.
He is a person who donates his time, money, experience, skills and talent to help create a better world. Anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of status or net worth. Barny is a warm and kind-hearted philanthropist and always ready to give back and return generosity with even more generosity, supported with enthusiasm and unselfishness.
He is engaged in volunteering or donating his time, setting up a charitable foundation, The Eyi’ze Development Foundation that’s engaged in donating to a humanitarian appeal. Some people may even view philanthropists as heroes, but the nature of Barny is such that, he is sincere about doing it and don’t care about the glory it will bring him as a person. Moreover, he does not go around flaunting his good deeds and expecting rewards for it. Instead of seeking recognition, he is more concerned about inspiring others. This is because he knows that the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes with philanthropy is already a huge reward in itself.
Chief Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah, Da’audu Eyi’ze of Ebiraland is an altruistic man @60, who is regardful of others; beneficent; unselfish and opposed to egoistic self image marked by the theory of devotion to others, friendly to man, attached to the common weal with concern for the welfare of others, who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being and future generations. His Royal Highness, identify issues of society and take steps to be part of the solution. His philanthropism is passionate, committed, focused on making a lasting impact with a genuine heart to make this world a better place.
Reaching 60 is a significant milestone worth celebrating, marking a life filled with experiences, achievements, and memories. In Nigeria, attaining 60 is considered a remarkable achievement, as it’s seen as a blessing from God. It’s often celebrated with grand ceremonies and festivities, surrounded by family, friends, and community.
With a heartfelt best wishes of a happy birthday, our dear Barny @ 60 should remember that age is just a number, and 60 is not the end of one’s journey but rather a new beginning for the Eyi’ze.