Agboje Chuks
The weight of the world was pressing down on me. Stress from work, a deep-seated desire to inject real value and integrity back into our community’s norms, it was a heavy burden to carry.
Honestly, I felt drained, my energy reserves completely depleted, and a desperate need to find a source of succor, a wellspring of renewed strength to press on with my mission.
I sought a quiet space, a refuge where I could simply breathe and gather myself for the greater tasks ahead.
But even in that stillness, my mind wouldn’t rest. It kept circling back to the same thought: How can I genuinely help?
How can I make a tangible, lasting difference in my community?
This impulse, this unyielding urge to contribute, is what defines a true son or daughter of Ute Okpu.
And as my mind searched for examples, it was drawn, almost magnetically, to the names of those who have paved the way, those whose lives are a testament to selfless giving.
While pondering on this, I quickly was drawn to the Astonishing Generosity of Dr. Hillary Ibegbulem, an Ute Okpu Son
Then, with a force that truly took my breath away, the realization of Dr. Hillary Ibegbelum’s impact flooded my thoughts.
Through critical reflection, I saw the sheer scale of what he has achieved for the people of Ikaland, a feat of compassion and commitment that is almost unbelievable.
Let’s look at the heart-stopping reality of his work and a ledger of generosity that speaks not of finance, but of human lives profoundly changed:
A Fleet of Hope: This year alone, Dr. Hillary Ibegbebulem has purchased over 15 cars for individuals, each averaging over 10 million naira. That’s a staggering 150 million investment in mobility, enterprise, and dignity.
Opening the World: He has facilitated over 12 visas, complete with work permits, sending people to destinations across the globe.
The financial commitment, nearing 360 million Naira pales in comparison to the infinite potential he unlocked for those families.
Grassroots Empowerment: He bought about 40 bikes for community members, costing around 60 million Naira, a direct investment in small businesses and local transportation, providing a means of livelihood on a daily basis.
But is that the limit of his kindness? Absolutely not.
The memory of his Christmas benevolence is still vivid: he spent an estimated one billion naira to bring joy and sustenance, procuring three trailers of rice and tomatoes and adding 10,000 naira to the hands of countless families.
To witness a single man spend so much, purely to change the story of his people, is both astonishing and profoundly moving.
Dr. Ibegbelum’s kindness is not confined by community borders. His compassion reaches out to anyone in need.
I recall the story of Abibat, a young groundnut seller. He didn’t just give her money; he invested in her entire future, sending her and her siblings to the full-boarding Graceville school.He gave them a new trajectory in life.
As I write this, I think of my own friends, Engr. Kindsley Dibie, one who found meaningful employment through his intervention, and another who received the unexpected gift of a Camry Sport car, Mr. Beye Kindsley
This is not just goodwill; this is goodwill personified. It is a life lived with an open hand and a boundless heart.
Though I have not been a direct beneficiary of his immense generosity, the light of his actions shines upon us all, reminding us of the power of one man to heal and lift up an entire community.
His life is the answer to my original question: how best to help? He has shown us that true contribution is measured not in words, but in sacrificial, transformative action.
