The 10th anniversary of Emmanuel Umohinyang Foundation will be remembered for a long time because of the massive the number of people touched by compassionate hands,reports WALE AJETUNMOBI.
It was the 10th anniversary of Emmanuel Umohinyang Foundation on December 23, 2018. Drums were rolled out. Many danced, but the day would be remembered for the number of people touched by compassionate hands.
The day before the anniversary, there were signs that something spectacular was in the offing. The Adebayo Dejonwo Estate neighbourhood in Maryland, Lagos mainland was upbeat.
Within the around the environment, people waited eagerly to see how things would eventually turn out, coming two days to Christmas.
The increase in vehicular activities in the area did not help matters. The upsurge was not unconnected with the fact that many visitors from outside Lagos, including Abuja, were part of the celebration, which also coincided with Umohinyang’s birthday.
Beneficiaries started arriving the Bayo Dejonwo Estate long before the 2pm start-off time.
The Emmanuel Umohinyang Foundation collapsed the wall between the rich and the poor. It acted as a leveller and this was evident in the fact that right from the estate’s entrance into the highbrow estate, security officials threated all courteously.
The organisers got more than they bargained for and though policemen were on hand to assist the estate’s security men, there was no cause for alarm as the visitors conducted themselves well.
The foundation upped its ante in terms of what it gave out as gift items to mark the anniversary.
Some women pointedly showed that though they were not invited officially, they were there to receive.
Several gift items, including about 2,000 bags of rice, different kinds of musical equipment, air conditioning units, chairs and many more, were given out to the needy who came from far and near.
Over 20 cows had been slaughtered for distribution for Christmas and entertainment among the people. There were also millions of 60 leaves exercise books and higher education notes promoting the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and supporting the police.
It was not surprising as Umohiyang, a lawyer is a die-hard supporter of the President for whom the Re-elect Buhari Movement which he leads has so far registered over 8million members for Buhari’s re-election.
The foundation left many, especially church with jaws widely opened for long as they never imagined the surprise waiting for them.
This was because without their knowledge, the foundation had procured items such as musical instruments and chairs which some of them lacked.
Churches, such as The Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Christ Embassy and The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), benefitted. The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who was represented by Usman Alilu, lauded the foundation for sparing a thought for the less privileged in the society. Alilu who is younger brother to the First Lady who is out of the country tasked well-to-do Nigerians on the virtues of sharing.
Alilu said: “The First Lady is always happy sharing with the less privileged and this is what Barrister Umohiyang is emulating. “The First Lady is happy with what he is doing and wishes him well.” As the announcement of cutting of the birthday cake was announced, a visually impaired man, Mr. Olusola Ofoyetan pleaded to be allowed to speak.
Ofoyetan said: “Today, all of us are rejoicing with Barrister Emmanuel, we are happy that he is putting smiles on our faces again at this time. We are happy to see you sir and we are happy to be here.”
He prayed for Umohiyang and his foundation for more successes in the years ahead.
More prayers were said by Pastor Charles Igbafe of Christ Embassy, Lagos Mainland. He thanked the foundation for sparing a thought for the needy.
Umohiyang, according to him, is a member of the church family and Christ Embassy is happy with what he is doing.
Mr. Nkem Itor of the Lutheran Church expressed joy for the items donated by the foundation.
He said: “Christianity is love. What you are seeing here today, is a demonstration of the love of God. “Barrister Umohiyang has used his resources for the betterment of people’s lives, so I am happy. “You can see smiles on the faces of most people here today because they have something to keep body and soul together this season.”
About 400 beneficiaries went home happy as the foundation was gracious to accommodate them.
Children of widows were given scholarship to further their education. The widows could not hide their excitement. Umohiyang’s wife, Esther, was all over the place to ensure all went well.
Umohiyang told reporters: “In my place, a man cannot be said to be serving God without serving people around him.
“Prophet T.B. Joshua also said when we give, it makes us like God who gives to everybody, yet collect from no one. “You will be shocked to see the impact the foundation of President Buhari, Katsina Foundation has made so far in Kastina State even with his meagre salary as a soldier, and even when he retired. His deep seated love for the downtrodden speaks volume.
“If you also look at future assured programme of the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, it is a source of inspiration. “Look at the medical facility the foundation built in Yola, yet this is a woman who does not get subvention from anywhere. It means the office can be better than it was in the past. Her deep passion for widows and the needy is very commendable. “I am always happy when I am in a position to give. It makes me so happy.”
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