Though some people may attempt to live
their life from a purely selfish, self-centred perspective, yet, others still
derive joy in giving to others. That to me is where to find the greatest sense
of meaning. And so, as we search for meaning one of the best places to look is
outward-towards others-using the principle of charity.
Too often during yuletide period like
this, Christmas and New Year, the meaning of charity is reduced to the act of
giving alms or donating sums of money to those who are economically
disadvantaged. But charity in its purest forms involves so much more. It
includes the giving of our hearts, our minds, and our talents in ways that
enrich the lives of all people-regardless of whether they are poor or rich.
Charity is selflessness. A poignant example is found in the following true life
stories.
Sometime in year 2009, about six months
into my one year M.Sc degree programme at the Pan-African University, Lagos, I
was frustrated out of work, by some big Ogas who right from the onset never
wanted me to go for the programme. The arrangement before I decided in the
first instance to undertake the course in question was that, I was going to be
granted study leave with pay. Unfortunately I had to retire voluntarily from
the public service in view of the intense intrigues that followed my admission.
My so called Ogas at that time, unashamedly did all they could to ensure that I
did not continue with that course. And I was determined to complete the course
no matter the odds or pains. As soon as I was eventually forced out of the
service, I became stranded and could neither pay my school fees nor cater for
the needs of members of my immediate family.
Almost immediately after this incident,
the school authorities began to press for the payment of my school fees or
abandon the course; I therefore resolved to seek the assistance of some people
I had thought were my friends in the course of my journalism practice without
success. It was at this point, that I decided to send a text message to the
performing Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, stating my predicament.
Two weeks after, I got a call from Hakeem Bello, the Senior Special Adviser
Media to the Governor, requesting me to come over to his office, to collect
half of the school fees. Another quarter of the school fees were paid by now
Senator Solomon Ewuga representing Nasarawa at the National Assembly and Kayode
Komolafe of ThisDay Newspapers. That was how; I was able to write my final
examination. The hardship I experienced during that period of my life coupled
with my age at 57 years at that time, almost immediately took its toll on me, I
became very ill and almost had a stroke, but for His Grace I am still alive. I
must not fail to emphasise, that the Lagos State Governor decided to render me
that assistance, in spite of the fact, that he was aware, that I was not a
Lagos State indigene. I was also not a close associate to anyone close to him.
The Governor extended his kind gesture, in a society where too many rich people
even make some of their family members a disposable commodity. As I do this article,
I am aware of so many other people including Lagosians studying in Nigeria and
abroad who at one time or another had some problems but manage to reach
Governor Raji Fashola and were also rescued. So many other governors,
Ministers, top government functionaries and politicians in Nigeria would rather
prefer to spend such money sending their mistress abroad for one or two week’s
enjoyment. The Fashola’s example amplifies life as an exciting business and
most exciting when it is lived for others.
The Dailai Lama once said that “If you
want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice
compassion.” This is exactly what the Publisher of the Guardian Newspapers,
Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, is doing which must be commended. My good friend Akpo
Esajere, who is the Group Political Editor of the Guardian would not like this,
but in the interest of public good, I have no other option than to tell this
story. Akpo for some years now, have been sick and down, one of the sad and
painful aspect of journalism practice in Nigeria is that once you are out of
site most people would forget about you. This is exactly the situation Akpo is
facing now. He is hardly remembered by people who once sought after his
service. The man is, however, not complaining as our Lord’s grace is sufficient
for us. Just last week, as it has been my habit for some time now, I called
Akpo on the phone to find out about his wellbeing. As usual, in spite of what
the man has gone through over the years, a lively voice came across loud and
clear “Gabriel, my brother how you dey oh?”He was full of life. As we got
talking, Akpo was full of gratitude to the management of the Guardian
Newspapers especially the late Alex Ibru and his lovely wife, Lady Maiden. Akpo
wondered aloud asking me the following questions “what would I have done, if
these wonderful people had long decided to stop my salary. How could I, have
manage this very expensive ailment that has put me down now for some years?”
Akpo was indeed full of gratitude. As I listened to Akpo on the phone, the
words of Abraham Lincoln which says “to ease another’s heartache is to forget
one’s own.” came to my mind.
As we celebrate the forthcoming festive
period, for those who are in a position to give and help others, “let no one ever
come to you without leaving better and happier”, that was Mother Teresa’s
philosophy.
Charity to me does not require a large
deed. It often takes little acts of kindness in the form of a warm smile or a
kind word. To you all out there please have a Happy Christmas and Prosperous
New Year.
Mr. Omonhinmin is a Lagos based Media
Consultant
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