BENIN CITY – The forum of Nigerian Albinos (FONA), yesterday, paid a surprise visit and presented a customized card to Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen for single-handedly sponsoring their conference meant to sensitize people about challenges faced by their association.
Speaking on the Journey so far, an elated President of FONA, Barr. Sunday Iyemeake commended the sponsor for associating with them in the face of discriminating by a society which looks down on people based on the colour of their skin.
He disclosed that despite the fact that some prominent individuals gave them promissory notes, pledging their support, it was only Matthew Iduoriyekemwen who redeemed his pledge and did even more than they had ever expected.
Calling their benefactor a living legend who has contributed to the betterment of society, he pledged on behalf of the association to support whenever their support is needed, noting that respective reciprocal help. He prayed God to grant the benefactor good health and continuous blessings.
A highly appreciative Iduoriyekemwen expressed surprise and pleasure on the receipt of the gift and recognition accorded him despite not fulfilling all he had initially pledged. He said the presence of members of the association who had come in large numbers to thank him was overwhelming and a humbling experience.
He reiterated that it was not really about the gift but the spirit behind the giving of the gift. He pledged to support FONA observing that God gave him the will and strength to submit to the will to do good. He promised to continue to help the association and humanity.
Mr. Iduoriyekemwen prayed for continued sense and purpose of direction for FONA and the grace to remain united. He commended them for refusing to be intimidated by society by going on to excel in their individual chosen fields of human endeavours. The absence of or deficiency of the melanin pigment is not self imposed he informed hence he urged them never to wish to be someone else which is a sign of self defeat.
He thanked FONA on behalf of himself family, very many supporters in politics and humanity while promising them many and better conferences in the future.
Also in attendance was the Board of Trustee Chairman (BOT) of FONA who doubles as the Deputy Chief Imam of Benin, Erese Muhammad Habib.
