By Omonu Nelson, Abuja
Albert Pike was famously quoted to have said: “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
The foreging explains the decision of the Authority of Student Union Governmemt (SUG), Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, to name Alhaji Abubakar Salisu Ene-Ojima Yaqub as the Most Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2022.
The body, through its President, Achimugu Ocheje, explained that the choice of Salisu for the recognition stemed from his relentless contribution to humanity, especially, the academic environment.
He said the difference with Salisu’s kind of Philanthropy is unsolicited and always done anonymously.
He urged Alhaji Salisu to continue to do more for humanity, while praying for more Allah’s blessings.
Responding, Alhaji Salisu expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah, for the honour but said: “he’s led to share with humanity, the little Allah has blessed him with, out of the conviction that ‘better society can only be attained, when we share.”
Speaking on the honour, Mallam Muhammed Kabir Ibrahim, a confidant of Alhaji Salisu, said: “your own type of kindness is formidable, has refused to surrender to prejudice, has disobeyed sentiments because it has no consideration for religion, tribe and place of origin.
“Every one privileged to cross your path can testify to it. I am particularly proud to hear people mention your generosity.
Another bossom friend of the recipient, Mr Jacob Daniel Ocheje, has this to say: “Philanthropy is an uncommon gift and those who possess it are blessed. This is an award well deserved. Congratulations to you Y’Alhaj!!”
Meanwhile, the simple philosophy underpinning philanthropy is service to others. However, in modern times, philanthropists turn around to exploit the vulnerability of those their gestures are supposed to affect positively.
At other times, they exalt themselves and boast openly of what they have done and even demand commensurate respect, almost worship. This paradox has clouded the real meaning of ‘philanthropism’ in our time.
However, the purity of the motives of those driven into philantropism by sheer milk of human kindness, like Alhaji Abubakar Salisu Yaqub always standout.
