By Usman Ogohi Samuel Ajagwumu.
Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, a Nigerian politician, the current senator representing the good and gallant people of Kogi East in the National Assembly exemplifies the art of philanthropy done discreetly, without seeking public recognition or validation.
His selfless acts of giving, often done behind closed doors, have positively impacted numerous lives, re-enforcing the Quranic and Biblical injunctions on charity, alms giving and Philanthropy.
Nigerians with all our religious and sanctimonious life style have relegated to the background (if not the gutters) the teachings of the holy books which speaks so highly about giving in secret obviously, a sermon Nigerians, especially our politicians have never paid heed to, Muslims and Christian’s alike have failed to grasp the importance and significance of giving with discretion, the Quran states:
“But if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you, and he will remove from you some of your misdeeds” (Quran 2:271), infact among the ‘Seven people who will be shaded by Allah under his shade on the day of judgement when there will be no shade except his, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)’ includes “a person who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Bible in Matthew 6:1-4 admonishes us to “Be-careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Echocho’s philanthropic efforts since before he ventured into politics has deviated from the norm as practiced in Nigeria, despite criticisms for not publicizing his good deeds, as a private citizen and now a public figure, his focus on education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment remain unprecedented.
He has sponsored and still sponsoring indigents students, providing financial support to families in need especially widows across the 9 local government areas of Kogi East, donated medical supplies to hospitals and other charitable organizations in the 9 local government of Kogi East as well as building churches and mosques.
What sets Sen. Jibrin Isah Echocho apart is his humility and reluctance to seek publicity for his good deeds despite calls from different quarters, beyond living up to religious teachings, the distinguished senator has come to value and respect human dignity unlike some politicians who use philanthropy as a tool for self-promotion, Echocho genuinely believes in the value of giving without expectation of reward or recognition.
His approach to philanthropy serves as a reminder that true kindness and generosity involve giving without seeking to draw attention to oneself.
Echocho’s selflessness and commitment to helping others have earned him respect even from those in opposition and admiration from those who know of his good works, there is hardly a community in the large senatorial district he represents the performing senator is yet to imprint his signature of parliamentary excellence coated with genuine desire to see his people enjoy quality representation through selfless leadership.
Truly a white hen has no hiding place, little wonder the public approval and support even from those in opposition political parties.
