By Sunday Oluchukwu
Leo Tolstoy, the notable Russian writer and humanist understood the true meaning of change. So, he spent a considerable number of his active years on earth preaching about a better society and the need for people, especially those in high places, to be conscious of tiny changes that positively affect lives. Paul Adingwupu, an IT expert and a prominent politician in Delta State may not have the literary prowess, global popularity and influence of Tolstoy, but he is obviously on the same page with the remarkable Russian writer as far as changing the world for the better is concerned.
For nearly 20 years now, Adingwupu has been spending his time and resources building bridges, creating awareness among young people, empowering citizens across age and gender and upholding the dignity of labour as an essential part of life and living. But it is obvious that this politician from Delta State would not have done this much without the Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development, FELD, the engine room that drives his extraordinary compassion path and revolutionary change agenda.
In a soul-lifting feature story in elegant prose, authored by Godfrey Osakwe, Project Director of FELD to mark the 10th anniversary of this non-government organisation many years ago, he took a trip down memory lane and recalled how it all began. “Just like a drop with ripples in placid water, the Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development, FELD, an idea birthed 10 years ago continues to blossom in its trail of positive impact on the lives of people and communities in Nigeria. The foundation which was established in 2011 as a non-government organisation, primarily to pursue the vision of sustainable development based on good governance in all facets of life, has since its commencement of operations, continues to build human capital by strengthening communities with remarkable impact with exponential growth.” According to Osakwe, within the years under review, FELD has remained persistent in spreading its message of inclusion, hope and desire to better the lives of people regardless of the economic challenges of the day. This, in the Project Director’s view has been demonstrated through the organisation’s multifaceted approach to empowerment, educational advancement programmes and a unique inclusive scheme that brings everyone on board, irrespective of age, gender, faith or social status. So, the last 15 years or so, remain a glorious period for the Foundation for Effective Leadership, FELD, not only for its giant strides but also for altruistically touching lives, engraving its name in the consciousness of people and changing the narrative in a remarkable way in Delta State.
And for Adingwupu, a good family man who knows that social change stretches beyond what the society can offer the most vulnerable and next generation in terms of financial support or otherwise, he also appreciates the fact that the room for improvement is the biggest room. So, regularly, he goes out of his way to put a smile on faces of people as a way of bringing about the much-desired change he consciously seeks as a politician who vigorously works for the good of all.
However, it is important to add that this community leader and politician, even at the risk of sounding repetitive, actually believes in the family unit, and that is why he has taken it upon himself to strengthen and encourage struggling families especially in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency where he hails from. But outside his immediate constituency, some families can also attest to his courage and steadfastness with regard to lifting people in need. And as far as he is concerned, families that are weak and without the much-needed safety net need a helping hand; they deserve to be protected from their vulnerability. So, Adingwupu takes the extra trouble to cater for such categories of people by providing scholarship schemes, engendering economic empowerment, driving intellectual growth, giving access to good health care which he believes is a right, and providing other social services for the common good.
Nevertheless, one other good thing about Hon. Adingwupu and his philanthropic gesture is that he does not seek the klieg light in spite of all he does. As they say in television production, he is simply a behind the scenes man, a producer who just wants things done without taking the credit, and this has remained his guiding principles over the years. And it is easy to measure his success and acceptability especially from the perspective of the beneficiaries whose testimonies abound. “Hon. Adingwupu is not your everyday politician who celebrates and announces every kindness even when it is not necessary. And I am very proud of him for always sparing a thought for the poor and other people in most need of help. I am very sure that no government can sufficiently address the needs of its citizens but as they say, little drops of water make a mighty ocean. I am happy to announce that this uncommon politician’s drops of water in the lives of many people, regardless of political affiliation, are making a huge difference. That is the way to go especially with the challenges facing many people in Nigeria today,” a grateful beneficiary and one of his constituents revealed.
At a time like this, it is gratifying to also note that this unusual politician is determined to make many dreams come true. This is a daunting task, no doubt, but the activities of FELD should encourage other public-spirited individuals to do more with their time and resources.
No doubt, Hon. Adingwupu has set the bar high in terms of what individuals can do to touch society and change lives from their different parts of the world.
