In a world where so many people think about themselves alone, both the rich and poor, we have found someone who can be regarded as selfless through her several philanthropic activities far and wide.
Afokoghene Itene, a graduate of Library science, Delta state university, Abraka has shown to the world what selflessness is, even without having billions, she has proven that the world can be a better place if we can have few of her.
The Isoko Born philanthropist has revealed that Philanthropy has been a lifestyle to her since she was a kid through her mother who was very famous for the many philanthropic activities in her state.
‘’ My late mother always find a reason to reach out to the vulnerable in the society, peoples challenges were also ours because she will always tell us then that she will like to take some foodstuff to some families because they don’t have food. If she is not making uniforms free for students as a fashion designer, she was paying fees for some kids I don’t even know.
In my state she was famous for being compassionate and charitable. She taught us to be selfless and show empathy. Imagine growing up in my home, that’s why I said it’s my lifestyle to always lend a hand and reach out to less privileged people. The only one thing I find joy in doing is giving back, that joy is magical. There is greater satisfaction in giving than in winning a lottery I promise.’’
While talking about the reason behind all the philanthropic activities she has done so far, she disclosed that she didn’t just choose to do it but she finds herself in the field
‘’ I do Philanthropic work because it’s the biggest part of my being, it is my lifestyle. I can’t really say it’s a choice I made, it’s just what I find myself doing and realised I can’t stop myself from lending a hand when I can. As a child i volunteered in several occasion to join my mum in cooking and feeding people in the slums we would pick clothes from our collection and take to the slums and now as an adult i am also volunteering to reach out. I have been into philanthropic works for as long as I can remember my name.
No doubt, doing charitable works isn’t a small deal, it requires time, substances, most especially money but it seems Its not a big deal to Afokoghene Itene as she has found ways to look for funds by running around to get sponsors and also take from her personal pocket.
‘ It is in my belief system that when I have N20, I can Use N10 for myself and give the needy the other N10. It started like that, and then I talk to friends most times asking them to donate their widows might for my pet project as I call it. Then I have also come across few people lately who really want to reach out but have several reasons to do it through someone else, these people have formed my support system financially.
Sometimes you don’t really need money to reach out to people. I have had interesting experiences visiting the slums and some homes with nothing in me. Few weeks ago I heard about a home for deformed kids and I had almost nothing with me but I still visited. When i got there I asked if I could see the kids and they were so happy to usher me in.
At the sight of me the kids were just running down to hug me, some held on to my dress, you could see the smile on their faces, it was priceless, i was really touched. I had fun with them and left happy. So you could see that what people actually need sometimes is someone to hold, a hug or someone to share their thoughts with.
These things make a huge difference’’
I could say the major challenge I have is being unable to reach my target sometimes. When the supply are limited and you can’t reach all the people in certain areas.