Jubilations, as Ikwuano Generator Mechanic, Promise puts smiles on puplis’, parents’ faces to mark birthday
It was a moment of joy and celebration among the teachers and pupils of Union Primary School, Afara Ibeku, in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, as the President of Promise Ezekiel Foundation (PEF) stormed to school in celebration of his birthday.
Engr. Ezekiel who marked his birthday alongside his one-year-old son, Prince Chizazirim Promise birthday on Tuesday, May 2, said he was compelled to demonstrate love to some of the indigent students upon hearing that many were being driven for non-payment of fees.
The young graduate of National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, who hailed from Umugo Oloko, in Ikwuano LGA of the State, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for an additional year to his life, as well as his first son, Zazzy.
Ezekiel who thanked God for the love and peace he had enjoyed in the community, stressed that it was in appreciation for the people’s hospitality and God’s blessings, that he had decided to begin his charity work with them, adding that living his life for others has been his heart desire.
The young philanthropist who has over the years, offered free, sound training to not fewer than seven (7) other youths in his skill, said, “the knowledge that God bestowed upon a man ought to be used in blessing others and improving their lives.
Continuing, he said: “In the same vein, our wealth, no matter how small it is should be used to bless others. We must not wait up until we have it till overflow before we could render help to those we appear to be better than. The best life, to me, is the life of giving and it has been my heart desire to live my life for others. I must not wait up until I am called “a big man” before I can begin my charity lifestyle. That is why I have decided to pay the fees for seven indigent pupils of this school, selected from primary one to primary six. I could not make the selection myself because I might not know the ones who are truly less privileged, so I decided to approach the Headmistress to help me select from each class.
Fielding questions from famousreporters.com, Ezekiel assured that he would extend the gestures to more students in his next birthday, hence he would replicate same in his Ikwuano community.
Asked his educational qualification, he said:
“I’m a BSC holder in Political Science though unemployed. I’m still managing my life through generator maintenance. But, I have chosen to celebrate this day with these pupils and in my own little way, I’ve decided to show them love by paying their school fees , and through this act, PROMISE EZEKIEL FOUNDATION (PEF), will be established and registered and soon will be launched.”
He used the medium to express profound gratitude to his amiable wife and daughter, Mrs. Precious Promise and Miss Prestige, respectively, for their immense love and support.
“I must have to thank my wife for her love and the huge support she gave me to achieve this project. And I pray that come next year, we shall put smiles on more faces”, he assured, as he prayed for God’s blessings upon the teachers and parents.
Meanwhile, he advised beneficiaries of the magnanimous act to remain focused and studios, while also, urging them to remember their families and ensure they do not misrepresent same, pointing out that, “I was once at your stage but today, I am a grown man even though I am still working hard to attain my desired heart.
“So, I can assure you that if you can take your studies seriously, the sky shall be your starting point and you can do better than this”, he said.
Responding, Mrs. Oriaku Uzoma Rose, the Admin Head Mistress (HM) of Union Primary School 2, Afara thanked Engr. Promise for alleviating the burden of parents of the indigent pupils, thereby paying their third term levies.
I feel very happy because the parents of most of these children cannot afford to pay the token for the term. So, when he came and told me he wanted to celebrate his birthday here and also shared his plans for some of the pupils.
He said at least, a pupil from each class will benefit from his kind gestures.
So, I was very happy when he told me about it, because normally, we don’t see such a thing here.
He just wanted to do it for humanity sake because When I looked him, I noticed that it’s not that he is looking that rich but he just that he has passion for others. It’s something that he has been nurturing in his heart to do on his birthday. I’m so happy and appreciative.
“And I pray that wherever that money is coming from, as something has gone out of him at this crucial time, and as a very young man with a young family, yet he remembered other people to do something for them, God will bless him and replenish his pocket.
Asked what selection process was deployed, she said:
“I selected them based on their backgrounds. Some are destitute kids so I picked them according to their background, because some of them are owing even the previous terms.
She, therefore, advised the beneficiaries to appreciate this token from the young man. They will have to bless him, guide and give him more to reach out to other kids. Also, they should take their studies seriously and not to
Corroborating, Mrs. Omire Helene Onuabuchi, the assistant HM and primary six teacher, in her ecstasy, stressed that the school, since her assumption of office, had never received such gesture, as she thanked God for using Ezekiel as a vessel of honour to bless the pupils
“I am very happy and excited for those that have the heart to give to the less privileged. It’s not every body that has the willingness to do this type of thing and I pray that the Almighty God will bless anybody that remembers the poor and replenish their pockets.
“As for this young man, God will bless him and prosper him.
We have never had such in this school before except for when I was in my former school, World Bank Primary School.
While noting that giving is individual based, she, implored the prominent sons and daughters of the community to emulate the show of love and to always reach out to the destitute in their midst.
“That’s individual differences. Everybody is created differently. Everyone upon creation, has what he and his God have decided to do. But, if I were to speak, I would say that they ought to emulate the young man and remember the less privileged in their midst.
“They supposed to emulate him; there are those who have but the problem should not always be how to get the money rather it should be how do you spend the money? How do you show love to your neighbour and the less privileged?
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries of the benevolent act were Monday Moses; Abraham chidiebere; Onugha Blossom , Chukwu Emmanuel; Ike Solomon , Monday Esther (Primary six); and Nwaite Odinakachi (Primary six).
The highlight of the occasion was a prayer session held by the pupils whose joy and happiness knew no bounds, as prayed for God’s blessings, grace, and protection upon their benefactor, and promised to give back to the society.
Earlier, the proud son of Umugo Oloko had in 2022, during the electioneering period, organised a free service for some residents in Umuahia, in his bid to support the 2023 Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Dr. Peter Obi, Dr. Alex Otti and High Chief Obi Aguocha of Abia State, who eventually emerged winners of the governorship and Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, respectively.