Chief Engr. Christian Awowoh, flanked by his friends during the scholarship presentation ceremony on Tuesday.
By Ogar Emmanuel Oko
Every man, by virtue of his existence within a community, inherits an unwritten but solemn duty: to leave his society better than he met it.
This is not a legal obligation enforceable by law, but a moral imperative etched deeply into the soul of humanity. It is a debt each of us owes—not in currency or possessions, but in service, values, and impact.
We are born into a world crafted by the labours, choices, and sacrifices of those before us. The roads we drive on, the schools we learn in, the freedoms we enjoy, and even the problems we complain about—these are the legacies of men and women who once stood where we now stand. Some contributed positively, others indifferently, and some detrimentally. But the baton has now been passed to us.
So, Tuesday, May 27, did not pass unnoticed; it witnessed an act of benevolence by an illustrious son of Obanliku LGA, Chief Engr. Christian Awowoh, to his immediate society.
Chief Awowoh in his magnanimous spirit, gathered others illustrious sons and daughters of Obanliku to witness his scholarship disbursement exercise where 50 indigent students of Obanliku extraction were awarded grants.
In the spirit of solidarity, scholars like Prof. Austine Ogogo, Prof. Mike Ushie, Assoc. Prof. Joseph Ogbu, Prof. Magnus Anya, Dr. Godwin Amanke, Sir Dr. Ken Aklah, Hon. Boniface Arayeh, and a host of other dignitaries were in attendance.
Among the beneficiaries, each law school student received N100,000, and other students got N50,000 each.
According to him, “This gesture is not merely financial support; it is a seed — one meant to inspire you to rise beyond your present challenges and pursue excellence in a nation that, though currently underdeveloped, holds immense potential. Consider this token as a springboard — a symbol of encouragement from a senior brother, a fellow traveler who once walked through the same difficult tunnel, and who has now seen light at the end.”
Truly, our time is short. We do not walk this earth forever. But we can ensure that when we are gone, we are remembered not just for what we acquired, but for what we gave; not just for who we were, but for what we built, preserved, and improved”.
In times like these, we have seen many, in the toga of philanthropy, do this to advertise themselves, their brands and aspirations — but the founder of Christian & Kate Awowoh Foundation said “This initiative is not driven by political ambition, pride, or any other sentiment. It is a heartfelt effort to inspire my peers and give back to the society in the way I know best”.
Therefore, to every man, this is your charge: leave your society better than you met it—not for applause, not for recognition, but because you were here, and because you cared.
To the beneficiaries, congratulations! To the founder — Christian & Kate, more grace to do more.
Comrade Oko is a Social Critic and Activist. He writes from Calabar
