In a heartfelt gesture of generosity, the Jesam Michael Afriq Foundation, led by its founder and CEO of Afriq Group of Companies, Chief Jesam Michael donated a fully furnished 3-bedroom apartment to the family of Okama Ikona. The house was officially launched on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Idomi, Yakurr LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria.
The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Pastor Effiom Akpan, who asked for divine protection over Jesam Michael and his family, placing the proceedings under God’s guidance.
Retired Supol Emmanuel, Chairman of the occasion, made the opening remarks, tracing the family’s history and the struggles they faced due to poverty. He praised Jesam Michael Afriq Foundation for transforming the family’s fortunes, emphasizing how their dignity has been restored through this generous act. “Now that Jesam Michael Afriq Foundation is here, can anyone still speak of poverty in this family?” he asked.
Chief Jesam Michael the founder of the Foundation, in his speech, shared a deeply personal story about why the foundation decided to build the house. He reflected on his childhood, recounting the struggles his family faced with poverty and inadequate housing. He spoke of his experience living with the Ikona family during his youth, and how the seeds of this generous act were sown when he was just a child.
“I know what it means to live in poverty,” Jesam said, recalling his childhood living in a small room with his parents and siblings. He recounted his stubborn yet adventurous days growing up in Idomi, staying with the Ikona family, and his fond memories of Obandi, a daughter of the family, who took care of him. “I used to roll tyres and run around, but deep down, I promised myself that I would come back one day to build a house in this community.”
That promise has now been fulfilled. Jesam went on to explain how the foundation encountered difficulties securing land for the house, but despite the challenges, they persisted. The donated house, he said, was a testament to his commitment to the community and his desire to see families like the Okama Ikona’s rise above poverty.
In a powerful statement, Jesam Michael also highlighted the untapped wealth within the community. “There are a lot of mineral resources in Idomi,” he said, gesturing toward the nearby rocks. “This community is sitting on riches you don’t even realize. I am coming for it, and we will make sure to tap into it for the benefit of everyone.”
He also stressed that the house donation was just the beginning of the foundation’s work in the community. Plans are underway to provide further support to widows, widowers, and the elderly through medical interventions and financial assistance. Jesam expressed a special commitment to improving the lives of the elderly, acknowledging the hardships they face. “We cannot just give medicine without giving food,” he remarked. “So we will provide both medication and financial support.”
Addressing employment issues, Jesam vowed to create job opportunities for the people of Idomi, especially for the youth who have completed their education but remain unemployed. “We will ensure that Idomi people benefit from our company’s growth just as other communities have.”
The house donation marks a new chapter for the family of Mrs Okama Ikona and for the Idomi community as a whole. Jesam Michael’s vision for community development, coupled with his dedication to lifting others out of poverty, continues to inspire hope and positive change across Yakurr LGA.
The Jesam Michael Afriq Foundation remains committed to empowering lives and spreading joy through its charitable initiatives, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Hearty Congratulations to the Chief Executive Officer of Afriq Foundation Chief Jesam Michael, your kindness, uprightness, sincerity of purpose will always make a way for you in the wilderness now and always. Indeed you have shown capacity in handling and turning small responsibilities into bigger projects that will be invited by many within our community, local government, cross river state, Nigeria and The entire continent at large.