PHILANTHROPISM: THE MAKING OF LIVES. - THE AMBASSADOR OKON MKPAFIT MODEL)

PHILANTHROPISM: THE MAKING OF LIVES. - THE AMBASSADOR OKON MKPAFIT MODEL)

•    Graded internal roads in the community
•    Pays monthly stipend to many
•    Gives scholarship to students

“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give” – Winston Churchill.

It is a common saying that men are never respected merely for their riches but rather for their philanthropy, and that we do not value the sun for its height but for its use. This was what played out at Ikot Akpa Edok Ndiya Ikono Local Government Area; the country-home of Ambassador Okon Mkpafit, as he earned the respect and accolades from the community not because he is rich, but because he has demonstrated his genuine love for his people through his benevolent altruism.

The Abuja-based businessman, in his magnanimity undertook the grading of a total of 12km internal roads in Ikot Akpa Edok Ndiya, ward 8 which before now were impassable, nightmarish and deathtraps for motorcyclists in that area. As a follow-up to make sure the said roads do not degrade as a result of erosion, he initiated the maintenance/sanitation team (mainly women) tasked with the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining the roads for a monthly consideration which took effect January 2020.  

Having the understanding that education is the most powerful weapon with which one can change the world, Amb. Mkpafit graciously announced the award of educational scholarship to five (5) Secondary School students and three (3) undergraduates from any recognized tertiary institutions in the country. This, he said, will prepare and position the beneficiaries with better opportunities to lead the future generation to a greater height when the present crop of leaders in Ikono might have honourably retire from active service.

Amb. Akpafit, having contributed his quota for the wellbeing of Ikot Akpa Edok Ndiya community in particular and Ikono LGA by extension adhered strictly to the godly advise given by the South African Bishop, Desmond Tutu when he said, “do your little bit of good where you are, it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world”

Joy knew no bound in the hearts of the people as they appreciated God for the gift of Ambassador Okon Akpafit in a period when the community needed a deliverer most.

Expressing their bewilderment, the Women Supervisor and the PDP Ward 8 Chairman, in their separate speeches thanked Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency at the National Assembly for his effective representation. They equally poured encomium on Amb. Okon Mkpafit for his magnanimity and timely response to the plight of the community and the ward, noting that his action is unprecedented.       


Edet John
writes from Ibianang-Ediene
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