Philanthropy is not about money, it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help.
Hence, what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us but what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
For many years, the pathetic story of Miss Elohor Dimodi, an indigene of Iwhrekan in Ughelli south local government area of Delta State, who lived in agony as she struggled with mouth tumor that disfigured her face beyond recognition, was best untold.
Subjected to rejections and bullies, Miss Elohor Dimodi, has long cried for help and just when it was almost obvious that there were no solutions to her problem; then a miraculous intervention by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) the Gbagi Foundation, came her way with succour and took over the treatment at the cost of N1. 5 million.
The Gbagi Foundation performed a lifesaving surgery, removing Elohor Dimodi’s mouth tumor at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara in Ethiope west local government area of the state, two years ago, precisely in 2020.
The owner of Gbagi Foundation, a former minister of State for education, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, FNIM, who is the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), showed compassion on the little Elohor Dimodi, not because he has politics in mind but it is his character to put smiles on the faces of people around him.
Philanthropy is defined as an altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property or work to people in need.
Miss Elohor Dimodi and her mother, Esther Dimodi, two years after, who were still overwhelmed by the philanthropic gesture of the Oginibo born industrialist and politician, could not hide their joy as they prostrated on the playground at the Ughievwen Palace field to show their respect and gratitude to the ‘God’ they saw in human form.
Speaking in an interview, elated Miss Elohor Dimodi, who narrated her ordeal to the admiration of all, said: “I want to thank Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, for what he did in my life and for bringing me back to life again.
“During COVID-19, they were sharing food at that time, so I also went. They gave me food and I left but as I was going, they called me back and snapped me. Few weeks later, he came and asked to know where I live. He was told that I live at Iwhrekan, so he called our chairman.
“The chairman came and called us, he then told us that he will do everything free for us. He told our chairman to inform us to get ready. We got ready the next day and he took us to Oghara University Teaching Hospital.
“At Oghara, I went through some tests and x-ray. So, I was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where I was taken care of and treated before I became strong and I was discharged. I want to thank Gbagi for what he did in my life. For him to bring me back to life”, Elohor, said in a joyous voice.
Also speaking, Elohor’s mother, Mrs. Esther Dimodi, who smiled all through the interview hinted: “I thank Gbagi Foundation for taking care of the bills of my daughter’s surgery.
“When he came to Iwhrekan during the Coronavirus, that was when he saw my daughter. People stigmatized her but when Gbagi saw her, he had pity on her.
“He assured her that he will treat her so she can be well. Few month later, Gbagi called us. We were not expecting anything.
‘He called us to admit her in the hospital. He called doctors from Warri, who first attended to her before we left there for Oghara University Teaching Hospital where we spent three months.
‘He paid for everything including clothing and feeding. The treatment was in millions because we were given proper care. At the ICU, where one pays N5, 000 daily. I thank Gbagi.
“Please, let us all vote for SDP, the governorship candidate, Olorogun Gbagi, is a good, kind and a man of justice and he will not see you in danger or suffering and allow you to die”, the mother added.
Speaking to a mammoth crowd from Ughievwen kingdom who came to the renowned Palace when he was given a rousing welcome, the Criminologist, appreciated God for using him to change the fortunes of an almost forgotten child.
“About some years ago, I went to Iwhrekan, as I was leaving, I saw this young girl. I saw a big tumor and I said take her to the University Teaching Hospital and the Gbagi Foundation carried out a surgery.
“Today, I saw her after many years. You will not believe that this is that same young girl. I did that surgery with millions of money but money means nothing, it is people who do not have sense that money controls.
“So, if you see this girl when I saw her before I sent her to the hospital , fear will not let you allow her to come close to you because of the size of that tumor. It is not politics”, Gbagi explained.
Truly, charity begins at home, as Gbagi, is truely a philanthropist par excellence.