A MAN WITH A BIG HEART AND HIS SELFLESS SERVICE TO HUMANITY.

written by Eromosele Tony.
19th March 2016.

It all began in 1997 in Ekpoma, in a small community called Ujoelen. A man called Samuel Osasere Ogbeifun. popularly called Uncle Sam, He came to the community as an undergraduate Student of Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma Edo State Nigeria in 1997/1998, to study B.Sc Accounting and Finance in which he later graduated as the best student in the year 2001.

HIS ADVENT.

As it is the norm of many young upcoming youth in the community to have the joy of freedom in there palm. Up untill now, having an apartment to yourself, ready to lunch into bachelor hood and do all you were been deprived. Staying with parents and family etc. Uncle Sam was no doubt different, his impact in the life of children, Teens and youth in Ujoelen Community, still sings in the lips of the old and young, even also among kids that were told the tales of Ujoelen. Today, many of this  children in the community can tell you one or two things about the Legendary 'uncle sam' all this because of a controlled disciplined life and early child foundation. He embrace the basic rudiment of his culture, values, norms and relating according to societal acceptable ways. Above all, having God at heart.

He came to our community which in the past few years has a very high level of cultists, which plagued the City university. And all it neighbouring surroundings , Often, this are the headline news in the community. clash among various gangs and clan. He couldn't help but notice a community which was characterize by lots of vice. As a result of this deviant behaviours by young men and women, Alot of children in the neighbourhood were  being influenced by this event, Orchestrated by youth and Adults in the community.

SERVICES
He worked as a volunteer in the community church St Marks Anglican Church. Ujoelen Ekpoma as a Sunday school teacher for the children. And to mentor them into becoming better adult when they grow up, This was in no way any easy task, as kids go to church but the level of stubbornness, fearlessness, just to name a few, was at the peak.

Out of curiosity, seeing somebody who hailed from the community with a different character and positive energy . His gentle and subtle way of approach to things at first glance change the mind set of children around him. who had plans to give him a tough time, like the previous teacher who got tired and frustrated of the children's uncontrollable character are expected to run and go back to were ever he came from, but just like the word "Love at first sight". After the first two Sundays. children were interested and excited to go  to church, even some refuse to eat because they don’t want to miss out on the stories Uncle Sam had lined up to tell at the Sunday school class, with practical demonstrations. He fascinated the children by getting them involved in the story line.

 He  introduced “GAMES”  to keep the children more occupied once in a week, to stay out of the street, in other not to get involved in the negative social vices going on in the community, especially as the university was cited in the middle of the town.
This attracted lots of consolation Prices and gifts. various winning groups and individuals, after a short period of time, this was followed up with picnics every other months in different cool location of Esan Land. Did I forget to add, the number of kids and teenagers increased drastically in hundreds. from just very few to everyone , He instilled the joy of attending church services in the life of people inhabiting Esan land. He made teenagers, youth in the community to have sense of  purpose which got them off the street and brought them closer to God.

Furthermore, Uncle Sam introduce summer camp, by writing to the church business men and community stakeholders to support in terms of  Buses, and other needed item's which can help raise funds needed to fast track his ideas. this further exposed the growing children to make new friends outside  town. the joy of visiting other places flow during the departure days when parents flank by the Bus to bid their kids farewell and on arrival days as well. To further spread the new initiative, Uncle Sam made the summer camp ACSSTA CHILDREN’S CAMP to involve any member of the community even if you are  not from the church, further more, He sold the idea to all churches of Anglican Communion across Esan Land as they all bought into the idea. To a very large extent he ensure that most of the children stayed off the street, me inclusive, developing and harnessing our talents for a good cause. Today, in Esan land, He was Able to mentor more than 400 children, who are now Adults, Most of them married with beautiful kids and doing well in  their various career .

SAMUEL OGBEIFUN is happily married to Mrs Etinosa Teresa Ogbeifun since April 24th, 2004 and they are blessed with three (3) amazing children.
Uncle Sam believes in people and love to see children and youth, world over. He thought us to learn to live in love and outdo each other in love. hence his selfless service to Ujoelen Community and Ekpoma, if  I may which set a foundation that is still deeply rooted in the land till date as seen in any growing child home and abroad.

On behalf of all the children you mentored, who are all grown men and women, we say Thank you for your remarkable interest which affected our life positively and the unconditional love and care you extended towards reshaping our life's and the whole community. I will say you are the human Jesus Christ . happy Birthday to You uncle, All we can wish for you now is for God almighty to bless you and grant you Long life and Prosperity.