A philanthropist in Akwa Ibom, Pastor Eseme Emmanuel Udi, has distributed money to 77 widows in Esit Eket local government area of the State.
Udi also gave cash awards to petty traders, donated over 500 exercise books with biros to schools in the area and announced scholarship awards for 10 students in secondary school and 10 pupils in primary school.
He announced plans to pay bursary for all Esit Eket students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Udi said he was motivated by his personal experience while growing up having been raised by his widow mother during which he faced challenges in getting quality education.
“I have done fishing, cut palm fruits, gathered them for sale in local market. I have been a bus conductor in Lagos, just to provide for my widow mother.
“Therefore as an orphan whom God has blessed, I am determined to make positive difference in the live of others”
He, however, advised the beneficiaries to manage their resources prudently and to put God first.
The Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, Mrs. Uduak Ikemesit Ikot, commended Pastor Udi for his benevolence, praising his commitment to empowering the community.
She promised to partner with Pastor Udi to advance education and empowerment initiatives in Esit Eket LGA.
The beneficiaries, including widows and students, expressed their gratitude to Pastor Udi, promising to make prudent use of the resources provided.
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One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hannah Edu, said, “We are grateful to Pastor Udi for his kindness. This empowerment will go a long way in supporting our businesses and improving our livelihoods.”
A widow, Mrs Emem Samuel Akparawa said that the first money he received from Pastor Udi was used to add with the little she had, to pay her daughter’s school fees.
She confessed that it is not easy to be a widow, suffering alone to take care of yourself talk less of the kids. “I always look for away to see him just to thank him” she concluded.
On her part a petty trader Madam Ekaette Aniefiok from Idung Asan, Etebi, prayed that the Lord who gave him the grace and wisdom to help the poor and the needy, will continue to replenish his pocket. She observed that there are many others in their community who are by far richer than him but do not remember the needy.
The benefiting schools, which included Community Secondary School Akpautong, QIC Primary School Akpautong, Primary School Uduak Okok, and Primary School, Ineh Akpautong, were also grateful for the donation of exercise books and biros.