Former Edo State Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant and philanthropist, Mr. Ken Imansuangbon, on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to pay greater attention to humanitarian workers providing relief and support to vulnerable Nigerians displaced by war, disasters, or conflicts.
The politician suggested that such individuals should be awarded national honors in recognition of their selfless service to humanity.
This was as he lamented that individuals with tainted or questionable characters are often recognized, thereby diminishing the efforts of those whose selfless humanitarian work has positively impacted the lives of the downtrodden.
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Imansuangbon, popularly called the ‘Riceman’ and Chairman/Proprietor of Pacesetters Group of Schools, Abuja, spoke during a visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Uhogua, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. He was accompanied by his wife, Kate Imansuangbon, who also called for support for the camp.
The philanthropist, who donated large quantities of food items and other consumables, said his visit to the facility was to show compassion for its inhabitants and for Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, the founder of the Home for the Needy, who manages the camp. He clarified that the visit was not intended to solicit votes, as some politicians do during election periods.
He urged the youths and children at the camp not to lose hope but to focus on their education so they could grow into honorable men and women who would contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
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“If we have a country where things are done well, Pastor Folorunsho deserves a national honor. I am calling on President Tinubu to ensure that national honors are awarded only to deserving individuals, like it is done in America,” he said.
“National honors shouldn’t be given to individuals with tainted or questionable characters. They should go to those who have positively impacted lives, like Pastor Solomon.
“Nigeria must rediscover itself under President Tinubu and correct these anomalies. His administration should inspire development and demonstrate that helping the poor is a form of national development.”
He also called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to assist the children at the camp, commending the governor for hitting the ground running. Additionally, he appealed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to provide support for the camp.
Imansuangbon’s wife, Kate, emphasized that their visit to the camp was meant to show the inhabitants that “they are loved and that there are people who care for them.” She added that the yearly Christmas season visits and donations of food and clothing to the camp were initiatives by her husband to demonstrate his compassion for the displaced persons.
In his response, Pastor Folorunsho expressed gratitude to the visitors for their show of love and appealed for further support, especially in helping secure job placements for the many graduates at the camp who are in need of employment opportunities.