By Ifechukwude Osahenye
Walt Disney, the highly talented American film and TV producer who created Mickey Mouse and Disney World, and who won an astonishing twenty-six Academy Awards, was a true visionary.For Disney, a restless and highly motivated creative, nothing was ever impossible. He poured everything he had; his passion, skills, and energy into his dreams, and enjoyed phenomenal success. Yet, beyond his achievements, Disney also gave many people a head start, driven by his generosity and love for humanity.
Today in Nigeria, that same spirit of courage and volunteerism lives on through the Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development (FELD), an initiative of Hon. Paul Adingwupu. A politician and IT expert whose name is etched in the politics of Delta State, Adingwupu is providing life-changing opportunities and recording success through technical expertise, charitable donations, teamwork, volunteerism, and counseling.
Across the four local government areas of Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Oshimili South, and Oshimili North, FELD’s impact is palpable. From boys to girls, men to women, the young and old, rich and poor; the touch of FELD reaches far and wide.
One of the most remarkable things about FELD is its intentionality. Nothing happens by chance. The organisation is clear about its core values, mission, vision, and objectives. Its activities are purpose-driven, with a relentless focus on identifying and supporting those who genuinely need intervention; whether through educational empowerment or by helping to establish small and medium-scale businesses.
A key pillar of FELD’s educational efforts is My Education Quiz Play, an initiative open to Nigerian students across all geo-political zones, religions, and ethnicities. Launched in 2012, the programme has rewarded winners with cash prizes and scholarships to tertiary institutions of their choice. The competition makes learning exciting and accessible to all, fostering a spirit of healthy intellectual engagement.
Godfrey Osakwe, Project Director of My Education Quiz Play, describes the initiative as an entertaining yet stimulating way of learning. However, its foundation remains rooted in comprehensive education based on Nigeria’s curriculum. The weekly televised game show offers students, both in secondary schools and higher institutions a platform to showcase their intellect and extemporaneous thinking.
“The foundation seeks to leverage growth in society, bearing in mind that education remains the bedrock and engine room of any nation,” Osakwe emphasised. “This game provides participants the opportunity to help secure their education via prize money in the form of scholarships.”
The objectives of FELD as an NGO and My Education Quiz Play as a TV programme include, but are not limited to:
Harnessing the potential of Nigerians at the grassroots level. Providing a platform for reorienting mind-sets to bring about national progress. Supporting small and medium enterprises across different trades while engaging idle youths in productive ventures.
Inspiring Nigerians to become active, positive agents of change within their communities.
It’s no surprise that Hon. Adingwupu has earned accolades from different quarters. In 2017, he received the NTA Asaba Meritorious Service Award for Excellence, a recognition of his invaluable contributions to humanity. Speaking at the award ceremony, Adingwupu expressed gratitude to the organisers and reaffirmed his commitment to putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged.
In an emotion laden acceptance speech, as he paid glowing tribute to his late mother, who single-handedly supported his education following the death of his father when he was just nine years old. Adingwupu acknowledged the challenges many families and young people face in accessing education today, a reality that fuels his passion for service.
Having lived it, he understands the struggle. And through FELD, he has dedicated his life to making a difference wherever and whenever he can.
No doubt, his story, and his work serve as an example worthy of emulation.
Ifechukwude Osahenye, a public affairs analyst, writes from Asaba