Oche “G12” breaks the mold, wins heart of many in the beginning of 2020 (Opinion)

If anyone was in doubt the new dynamics of the beautiful of politics it must have cleared a bit with the emergence of the Ugboju born Joseph Gordon Oche as the reigning name, the most prestigious individual nickname, new Sheriff in Town.

The name is remarkable for now in two reasons. First, it is perhaps the most controversial in the annals of the coveted name and second, hardly had a non partisan be given that name since the era of political struggle in our land. We appreciate the Ugboju born utility young lad and the Chief Executive Officer, G12 Foundation. The sweet name is indeed a culmination of G12’s many successes in his philanthropic gesture in the last few months and his sterling role in developing his small home and empowering many/less privileged in 2019/2020.

Joseph Gordon Oche started off his philanthropic career as an underdog. Born into the small village of Ugboju of no political benefits, he was a child living like a refugee. However, in spite of his circumstance, he was tenacious in the pursuit of his philanthropic career even though his subdued outlook and physical appearance often make people doubtful of his capacity. He made his full intervention in politics for the betterment of his constituency in the 2019 general poll as a mere sympathizer, an election that changed the narrative.

Most critics of his philanthropic gesture might have had a stereotypical picture of their political idols, political and public office holders (names withheld) as the only great worthy of the much coveted name but the masses passed vote of confident on G12. In his own words always, “History will say that the Ugboju born fought as a barefooted soldier attracted dividends of democracy to his small country home after Ambassador Dickson Akoh who is a philanthropist at another level. Nobody has the right to compare themselves to them. They are the best in the history of this gesture”.

In the above words lie the humility that has propelled him to both national and home successes in philanthropic career. He had earlier won the people’s heart and the reigning personality of the moment. His contributions in the recent time have not gone unnoticed.

Understandably, critics of his gesture obviously feel that political office occupants who by the way had benefitted from masses through ballots and yet to fall back to the poor masse that deserved praises more. However, the name philanthropy or any other gesture for that matter is not only about who got the name first or the charismatic visibility of spending much monies. The beautiful gesture we feel, must have a cocktail of different angles and inputs that would see the symbolic roundedness of the physical projects itself.

Joseph Gordon Oche might not have been one fiery philanthropist with some stirring emotionally charged performances of the major projects facilitators but an influential, he has become an engine room of his representatives at the national assembly; his forte is marshaling the inner room, penetrating and making sure what belong to his constituency is known to our representatives. He is a master of his capacity and has been rubbing shoulder with some representatives from other part of the country is a testimony.

Also notable is G12’s role in the NDE empowerment. Otukpo/Ohimini never embarked on such over the years maybe not because it is a Federal Constituency, but not represented well either. It is the same way the history of her philanthropist (G12) is equally a modulated one. Rising from a less privileged status and holding on to his capacity to excel in philanthropy at all levels would add a rainbow to the story of development as a global drive. His commitment, passion, patriotism and courage in development strides for his people shorn all through the empowerment winning him some more supporters in the constituency making him looks like a threat to their political struggle.

His free hand and openness also draws out lessons for youths around the constituency that despite all odds, empowerment can also come from any quarters through hustling. But most important, those selling force information on the empowerment done by G12 Foundation may be yielding to critics who have said that the processes was marred by irregularities. Joseph Gordon Oche’s current position ahead of their pay masters represents a shift.

Philanthropist whether they are from a typically remote communities like in Ugboju, not born with golden spoon, family not recognized in the society, now know they could earn recognition if they are truly outstanding in their capacity. While projects developed a place, political office holders alone don’t make development. That is the lesson of G12 Foundation empowerment.