By Inyali Peter
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency in the 2019 general elections, Mr. Koko Dan has donated a furnished four-bedroom apartment to a family which lost its hut to a harmattan fire in Obudu local government area of northern Cross River State.
CrossRiverWatch gathered that the family lost their Ejakpe-Utugwang home and belongings in a November 2017 harmattan fire which the family head, Mr. Ube Osobu said was communicated to them on their way back from farm.
“I am a poor farmer with a wife and children. All my life, I have been managing in the little hut with my family praying to God to bless me or my children when they grow to build a house. Honestly, when this incident happened, it was like the end of life for us. I did not know where to run or who to meet for help because the fire burnt everything I have ever suffered for; we couldn’t carry even a pin. In fact, I almost committed suicide when I heard the story,” Osobu said in his native dialect.
He continued: “As they say God does things in a mysterious way, this was how this incident mysteriously turned a miracle for us. We were squatting in a hut with my brother when we heard that Koko Dan who is not even from my community want to build a house for us.
The thing was like a joke until he completed the house, furnished it and handed over the keys to me. I did not know him from Adam, I thought he was a government person but was surprised when I heard the young man is a private businessman.
“I can’t thank him enough. We offered to be his servants for life but he refused. I now believe what English people say every disappointment is a blessing. See me today, from a tiny small hut owner to a beautiful four bedroom flat owner. All I can say is that God will continue to reward and bless him and his entire generation.”
The gesture, Mr. Dan said, was informed by his principle of extending God’s blessing to him.
“When I heard the news I felt touched. I thought of many things and I decided that I should assist them build a small house. God blesses us to be (a) blessing to others. Even when I was building the house, each time I think of them I will feel so sober; I couldn’t sleep. I thank God that they accepted the gift from me,” he said.
On maintaining the house, he averred that: “I have discussed with them and I want to set up a small business for them. They are farmers but nothing is coming out from the farm. As long as God continues to bless me, I will continue to help the poor. It is not for any political reason. In fact, I built the first house for somebody I don’t even know just like Osobu when I never thought I will contest elections. So it is not about politics but about helping the less privilege.”
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