In recent times, a remarkable and heartwarming event unfolded, shedding light on the noble character of Hon. Ismail O. Ismaila, the esteemed convener of Youth O’Clock Nigeria 🇳🇬. On the 12th of June 2023, Hon. Ismail found himself at a building site in the vibrant town of Giri, located near Abuja. Little did he know that this encounter would lead to an act of kindness worth celebrating.
As he engaged in discussions with the site’s engineer, Hon. Ismail’s attention was drawn to a group of children diligently involved in laborious tasks. Filled with compassion, he felt compelled to approach them and inquire about their presence. With a genuine desire to understand their situation, he called them over, eager to hear their stories.
To his surprise, the children he encountered hailed from different ethnic backgrounds within Kogi State. Some spoke the Ebira language, while others conversed in Igala. Hon. Ismail, committed to fostering inclusivity and fairness, made a conscious decision not to let tribal differences dictate his response. Instead, he opted to extend help to all of them, regardless of their tribal affiliations.
As he engaged in conversation, Hon. Ismail discovered that these young Kogites had taken on manual labor at the building site in a desperate attempt to raise funds for their school fees for the upcoming term. Deeply dissatisfied with the circumstances they faced, he knew he had to intervene.
Driven by his commitment to philanthropy, Hon. Ismail swiftly made a decision that would transform the lives of these children. He instructed the engineer of the site to halt their work, assuring the children that they need not labor any longer. He wholeheartedly pledged to personally cover their school fees, recognizing the value of education in shaping their futures.
True to his word, the Convener wasted no time in fulfilling his promise. He entrusted someone to collect the names of the children and the names of their schools, leaving no detail overlooked. The children, filled with gratitude and joy, could scarcely believe their good fortune. Hon. Ismail’s act of generosity not only alleviated their immediate burden but also instilled in them a renewed sense of hope and belief in a brighter future.
This remarkable story stands as a testament to the character and principles of himself. His actions serve as an example of a leader who transcends tribal divisions, advocating for unity and fairness. By extending assistance to all the children, regardless of their tribal backgrounds, he exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity and promotes a sense of belonging among the people of Kogi State.
Hon. Ismail O. Ismaila’s noble gesture reminds us of the importance of considering the well-being of all individuals, irrespective of their ethnic origins. He encourages us to embrace a collective “KOGI AGENDA” whenever we encounter fellow Kogites, fostering unity and dispelling biases.
As we celebrate this act of kindness, let us be inspired by Hon. Ismail’s example. May we strive to emulate his commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and the pursuit of a better future for all.
