The chairman, Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey on Saturday was honoured with the prestigious “Grassroots Community Philanthropist Award 2018” by the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).
Dr Odey, who is also the acting managing director of Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRS-WBL) was bestowed with the award in recognition of his commitment to community development as well as his sterling qualities, record breaking performance and unprecedented achievements in SUBEB and CRS-WBL.
The investiture took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, in Abuja.
Presenting the award, the ALGON National President, Mr Gambo Tanko Kagara, said community philanthropists are people who strongly believe in putting the people first, cultivating a culture in which everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered for wealth creation, and Dr Odey is eminently qualified for the prestigious award, hence the presentation today.
Odey, who seemed elated, joyfully dedicated the award first to the Almighty God and also to his boss, His Excellency, Cross River Governor Ben Ayade, for finding him worthy to serve in his administration. He further said the award is a call to do more for the state government, the society and mankind in general.
“Community philanthropy is the process of gaining the support of community members, leveraging community resources, and determining the use of personal resources in that community to better address communal challenges or to improve the quality of life of individuals in a community. It is an approach to development that emphasizes the building of internal assets, capacities, and trust through participation, collaboration, and shared power in decision-making.
“Support from a community philanthropist within a community could come in any one or more of the following forms:
“Thoughts, ideas, and plans for the community, time devoted to community needs and improvement.
“Knowledge and experience of members; Pro bono services of community institutions and individuals, employment opportunities.
Cash contributions (any size);
In-kind contributions (e.g., scholarships, medical bills,farming aids, skills acquisition, tools, equipment, etc.)”
