The Chief Executive Officer/Founder of Israel Ibeleme Foundation, Dr Israel Ibeleme has given tertiary scholarship to some children at Hope For Survival Orphanage Gishiri, as parts of his humanitarian gestures to mark his birthday, while giving back to the society.
Israel who is one of the Aids to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, was in company of his friends and spiritual father, the pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Throne Room, Transcorp Hilton, Pastor Tunde Benjamin, who coincidentally, is his birthday mate.
Speaking during his visit to the orphanage home, Dr Israel said, the gesture was in appreciation to God for His faithfulness towards him and his spiritual mentor, Pastor Tunde who has made positive impacts in his life.
He added that, giving back to humanity, is one of the vows he made to God during his wilderness experience, hence the need to redeem his vows.
He added that God has used his Boss Rotimi Amaechi and his wife Judith to transform his life tremendously.
He said “Myself Iam a testimony, I slept around the road for years, I wore one trouser and one T-shirt for six months. Five naira used to be my pocket money, there was never a time I was hungry and was able to find what to eat at that point in time. That was part of my story.”
“People ask me how I was able to make it. What I was praying to God, was for Him to take me out of my situation, I told God if you are able to take me out of this situation, I will use every opportunity I have to serve you. What I am doing is a vow, I am not doing it to entice or make anyone happy. It is a vow, if I don’t do it, I feel indebted, if I don’t do it, I feel that I am owing” he said.
The Minister in charge of RCCG Throne Room and birthday mate to Israel, Pastor Tunde Benjamin who commended Israel for his philanthropic spirit, charged the children not to allow anyone or circumstances of life steal their smiles from them as they are destined to be great.
“One of the things the devil will like to steal from you is your smiles, your sparks. Don’t allow anyone or situation take your smiles from you because you are destined to be great. Just like Joseph in Potiphar’s house, whether you are in the pit, Potiphar’s house, prison, or palace, don’t allow anything take your smiles away because you are destined to be great”.
In his response, the Administrator of Hope For Survival Orphanage, Cephas Thaddeaus, who appreciated Israel for choosing to celebrate his birthday with the children, called on other well meaning Nigerians to emulate the kind gesture, as it will add value to the society.
“We are quite overwhelmed with joy, having our uncle, father and our brother coming to visit us, I know there are bigger places for him to go and celebrate, but he came here to celebrate with us and the kids, we are indeed grateful to him”.
“well meaning Nigerians should emulate this kind gesture that has just been expressed by Dr Israel to Hope For Survival. With this, we will eradicate poverty in our nation, there will be great improvement in terms of education. He just gave the children scholarship in higher institution, that is a big relieve to us” he added.
