Saboh Marks 53rd Birthday With PWDs, Donates Rice, Noodles, Cash In Bayelsa
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Hon. Sele Saboh, House of Representatives candidate for the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has marked his 53rd birthday by celebrating with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Bayelsa State and donating food items and cash to them.
Saboh, who spent his birthday with members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Bayelsa State chapter, on Tuesday, donated 100 bags of rice, more than 200 cartons of Indomie noodles and cash gifts to the beneficiaries.
Speaking during the event, the philanthropist said his decision to celebrate his birthday with PWDs was part of his longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society and not motivated by his political ambition.
“This year I am donating 100 bags of rice, over 200 cartons of Indomie noodles and cash gifts to the disabled. I am not doing this for political reasons, but as my own humble way to touch lives,” he said.
Saboh said although some people might attach political interpretations to the gesture because of his aspiration to represent Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, philanthropy had been part of his life long before his current political ambition.
“I know many persons may read meaning to this gesture, but let me be plain to all. It’s never because of elections or to get the praises of people, but my humble and heartfelt way of rendering succour to those who are the downtrodden in society.
“It is a lifestyle I cultivated many years ago,” he added.
He said his interventions over the years had included monthly stipends for elderly people in his local government area, provision of engine boats for youths, construction of houses for indigent persons, payment of school fees, scholarships and vocational empowerment for youths, as well as business grants for women.
According to him, his commitment to humanitarian service began when he was about 20 years old.
“I have been empowering persons since I was 20 years old and, by the grace of God, I will continue to do so. I will continue to offer my humble support to impact society and make life easier for different people,” Saboh said.
Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of JONAPWD, Bayelsa State chapter, Mr. Mayor Doutiminariye, commended Saboh for what he described as his consistent support for persons with disabilities in the state.
Doutiminariye said Saboh had made it a tradition to spend his birthday with PWDs, noting that the latest celebration marked the fourth consecutive time he had celebrated with the group.
“This is not the first time. He is not doing it for political reasons; he has persons with disabilities at heart. This is the fourth time he has been celebrating with us,” he said.
The JONAPWD chairman said Saboh’s support extended beyond his annual birthday celebrations, noting that he had responded to several requests from members of the disability community.
“He does not only celebrate on his birthday. When persons with disabilities call upon him, his doors are always open. He pays house rents, caters for hospital bills, pays surgical fees, pays school fees for persons with disabilities and offers financial assistance,” Doutiminariye stated.
While describing JONAPWD as an apolitical organisation, Doutiminariye said Saboh’s humanitarian record had earned him recognition among members of the disability community.
“As Chairman of JONAPWD, my position is apolitical, but judging by his good works to humanity, this is someone that should be given power. We will continue to support him and we pray that whatever he does, God will always provide him with the grace to succeed,” he said.
He also urged other well-meaning Bayelsans to emulate the celebrant by supporting vulnerable members of society, while praying for Saboh’s continued good health, long life and prosperity.
Also speaking, Mr. Doubara Okomuku, a chieftain of the NDC and House of Representatives candidate for the Kolokuma/Opokuma-Yenagoa Federal Constituency, alongside Pastor Mieye Moses, described Saboh as a good man whose life has been defined by a commitment to impacting society.
