From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Former Edo State Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant and philanthropist, Kenneth Imansuangbon, has called on the Federal Government to pay more attention to humanitarian workers providing relief and support to vulnerable Nigerians displaced by war, disaster and conflicts and consider them for national honour and recognition.
He made the call at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Uhogua, Ovia North East Local Government Area, where he donated assorted food items and other consumables.
Accompanied by his wife, Kate, Imansuangbon lamented that some persons with tainted and questionable character were often recognised for honour while those whose selfless humanitarian work have impacted positively on the lives of the downtrodden are neglected.
He said his visit to the camp was to show his compassion for the displaced persons and the founder of the Home for the Needy, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, who manages the facility, adding that the visit was not to solicit for votes as most politicians do during election period.
He called on the youths and children not to lose hope but to focus on their education so that they can grow up to be men and women of honour whose impact would be felt in nation building.
“If we have a country where things are done well, Pastor Folunrusho is due for a national honour and I am calling on President Bola Tinubu that people who are given national honour are those that deserve it like it is done in America.
“National honour shouldn’t be given to people with tainted or questionable character or dishonourable people. They should be for those that have impacted lives like Pastor Solomon.
“Nigeria must discover itself under President Tinubu to correct this. He has inspired development for the country so that people will know that when you help the poor you are developing the country.”
Imansuangbon called on the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to come to the aid of the children even as he commended the governor for hitting the ground running. He also called on the minister of humanitarian affairs to come to assist the camp.
His wife, Kate, stressed that their visit to the camp is to tell the displaced persons that they are loved and there are people out there who care for them, adding that the yearly Christmas season visit and donation of food and clothing to the camp was initiated by her husband to show his compassion for them.
Pastor Folorunsho thanked the visitors for their show of love and appealed for further help especially as it relates to helping to engage some of the graduates produced from the camp who are in need of jobs placement.