Garlands to Victor Ndoma-Egba at 68

By Olusola Sanni

Philanthropy is the purpose of humanity. To give unto others from our limited means is to surrender oneself to the greater good of the universe.

The scripture has many leading passages where the Creator Himself admonishes us to do good by the way of charity. The book of 2 Corinthians, Chapter 9 verses 6-8 says that, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The lesson about the above passage from the bible is that we all, as mortal men and woman, are under the instruction of God to be kind and generous. This lesson is even more expressed in our everyday lives when we ask God to bring our destiny helpers in our ways.

In the nearly two decades that the name of Victor Ndoma-Egba has become household in Nigeria’s political hall of fame, a lot has been said and written about his diverse generosity and kindness.

In Ndoma-Egba’s world, charity and giving is the rule of life. He has a special gift of giving and what is even more exceptional about the man is the warmth and affability in his character.

As a reporter of the political desk in many newspapers, I have come across many politicians. But while many others approach you with some measure arrogance in their visiage and mannerism, Ndoma-Egba belongs to that small league of gentlemen in the corridor of power that come forth with decided respectability.

His acts of generosity go far beyond his immediate environment, and it is no hostage to tribe and religion or any other primordial sentiment.

Many students are beneficiaries of scholarship scheme with sponsorship in both local and foreign educational institutions.

On occasions too numerous to enumerate, Senator Ndoma-Egba has been a harbinger of God’s grace to families and individuals who happened to be going through momentary rough patches on concerns that vary from healthcare to business uplift and many more.

At his immediate electoral constituencies in Ikom and Akparabong in Cross River State, Ndoma-Egba has done a lot of interventions that continues to put smiles on the faces of his people.

Over 700 students in Cross River State are beneficiaries of his scholarship programme from different tertiary institutions within and outside of the state.

Additionally, more than 250 individuals are beneficiaries of the Central Bank enterprise scheme with each getting Two Hundred and Fifity Thousand Naira as start up capital.

He has distributed more than 500 lap tops to students, as a form of support to their educational careers, as well as supporting almost 800 farmers with inputs and implements worth Ten Million Naira.

Ndoma-Egba has given out more than 200 cars to families in distress and to commercial driver in aid of their enterprise.

He has also facilitated free computer training that is still on going with over 18,000 beneficiaries, sent 13 people abroad for medical treatment.

He has sponsored both Christians and Muslims on pilgrimage on occasions too numerous to enumerate, and has equally facilitated over 1000 employments in the Federal Civil Service and in the private sector.

His physical projects that dot the landscape of electoral constituency are numerous, totaling almost a hundred, including the Open University in Ikom, Specialist Hospital, Ikom Faculty of Law Complex, University of Calabar among others.

As this great Nigerian celebrates his birthday today, it is my pleasure to make a toast of long life and peace to this gentleman, in whose heart there is a vastness of riches and kindness.

Olusola Sanni, a media professional wrote this piece from Abuja.