An Annual Tradition of Giving
By Deborah Coker
Ohordua (Edo), Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) – In a powerful demonstration of consistent community support, former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, on Saturday donated 230 bags of rice to the Ologua community in Ohordua, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. This gesture extends a decade-long commitment that has become a cornerstone of seasonal hope for the region.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the distribution, Esele explained that the beneficiaries included his ancestral Ologua community and extended to neighbouring areas. This deliberate expansion transforms the act from a personal family gesture into a broader social safety net for the locality.
The Philosophy Behind the Gift
Esele articulated the core principle driving his annual donation: “The essence is to identify with the elderly, vulnerable, poor, and less privileged at a time when love is being celebrated.” In a nation where economic pressures often overshadow festive joy, such targeted philanthropy addresses a critical need. Rice, a staple food in Nigerian households, represents both practical nourishment and symbolic care during the Christmas season, when the expectation to provide a special meal is high.
He highlighted the program’s history: “This gesture which began in 2015 has now become an annual event, which is my own way of giving back to the community that nurtured me.” This continuity is crucial. Unlike one-off donations, a predictable, annual program allows families to rely on this support, integrating it into their yearly planning and reducing anxiety during the festive period.
Impact Beyond the Moment
“There is no better time to identify with the poor, vulnerable and needy in the society and show them love than now,” Esele stated. “The Christmas season… is a season of love, sharing and giving. So it is my belief that this little contribution from me will be able to make an impact in those homes.”
The impact he references is multifaceted. On a basic level, it alleviates the immediate financial burden of a major holiday. On a deeper level, it fosters social inclusion, ensuring that even the most vulnerable community members can participate in the communal celebration. It sends a message that they are seen and valued, countering the marginalization often felt by the poor.
Community Reception and a Call for Sustained Virtue
NAN reports that the beneficiaries were elated, offering prayers for the donor and his family. Their testimonials painted a picture of a leader defined by loyalty and character. They described Esele as “a man of impeccable character who never forgot his root,” underscoring the cultural importance of remembering one’s origins in Nigerian society.
Their concluding remarks carried a poignant plea and a profound insight: “They urged him not to be swayed or discouraged by other privileged ones from the community who do not identify with them, adding that posterity would continue to be fair to him.” This reveals a common social dynamic where consistent givers can face pressure or criticism from peers who do not contribute. The community’s encouragement serves as a shield, affirming that true legacy (“posterity”) is built on tangible acts of kindness, not on wealth or status alone.
Peter Esele’s annual rice donation is more than a news item; it is a case study in sustainable, empathetic community building. It moves beyond charity to establish a ritual of reciprocity and shared humanity, proving that the Christmas spirit can be cultivated into a lasting force for good. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DCO/SH
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza
