Happy Birthday Dr Ifeanyichukwu Uke

What could go wrong should anyone decide to take it up as a topic for research? Questions on whether it’s a good research topic don’t fit in because trying to find out “Factors evoking empathy and deeper commitment to help others in Dr Uke” will solve a lot of problems, including being a source of advice for other elites of the society who live large. At the same time, those around them continue to suffer from hunger and lack. At least, they may borrow a leaf from him on where and how to channel their wealth.

Interestingly, any researcher on this topic will not bother so much about the methods he/ she would use in collecting data, because secondary data sources are readily available in the form of testimonies and heartfelt expressions of countless beneficiaries of their charity.

However, while this topic remains a wonderful research project to work on, one factor that can pose as a cog along the line is the problem of the ” Unlimited Variability” factor on the ” dependent variable” that’s being studied.

In research, dependent variability problems arise when the dependent variable doesn’t vary much with the independent and controlled variables meant to be manipulated.

In the context of this writing, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel Uke, the man whose echoes of philanthropy reverberate across the length and breadth of society, represents a dependent variable, while other factors represent independent and controlled variables- including his followers and beneficiaries of his acts of benevolence.

Knowing him well, one wonders if his life of humility, simplicity, modesty, empathy, respect, and close relationship with almost everyone, which in effect may act as a limited variability with other members of society. Irrespective of social status, Dr Uke doesn’t act superior or try to manipulate anyone regardless.

Given his values and belief that every man should have a sense of belonging, social status notwithstanding, how then can what evokes his high philanthropic attitude be researched since he has no one to “manipulate”, given that manipulation of a variable is a known factor in research work? This is where the ” problem” lies.

While this piece isn’t about highlighting the profile of this great man, nor his achievements and impacts in the society over the years, yet, there’s the need to remind us that the best legacy records of anyone isn’t written on paper or on a marble, but in the heart of men and women, hanging on the “confluence” of the mind of the society, and pen and paper may neither reflect nor express the content. This we must bear in mind.

Turning to the man of the moment, Dr Ifeanyi Uke, may I let you know that you have done well? Your life of philanthropy is top-notch and your attitude of charity remains unparalleled.

However, if I have a means of playing a record in reflection of the thoughts, prayers, and wishes of the society on the occasion of your birthday today, three points will be clear:

Firstly, the opinions of society are that your turning +1 is synonymous with success; your birthday today is making sense to them because to them, you are living and not just existing. To many, without you life would have been more difficult. Your lighthouse having dished illuminations over time, obscurity has bent for light for many paths, thus, it’s a thumbs up for you.

Secondly, the society goes spiritual for you praying that divinity keeps you rotating on the 360° axis of wealth and in good health. Your circles of affluence will never decrease nor will your circumference of influence diminish and a resounding Amen is the echo of all that crossed your paths.

Thirdly, as you begin another circle of the journey, expectations are high. They want you to see the endless need of society as a “graveyard” that never gets filled up. In effect, society still needs you more. They expect that the endless need and quests for a better life turn you 0° in the “coordinate system” of philanthropy.

Turning zero degrees? It may sound confusing, but it’s in order because it’s a positive turn. How? As a nature analyst, let me explain:

In trigonometry, there’s a connection between 360 degrees and 0 degrees. In short, 360° is equivalent to 0° in terms of angle position in the unit circle. In other words, every 360 degrees brings you back to the starting point on the positive x-axis, being the first quadrant.

Let’s bring it home. Take your +1 as the first quadrant, take your 360° as the elevations in wealth, health, abundance, and peace the Heavens have showered upon you (For you are forever blessed).
Take the 0°as the direction to continue to look, while rotating along the 360 axis of life (For no man shall bring you down). While you rotate, don’t ever forget that the Zeros need a lift. Many Zeros today are would-be Heroes of tomorrow, they only need to be discovered.
In every 360 degrees, there is an alternate 0 degrees, and they need you to rise. This is symbolically beyond analogy.

Dear Dr Uke, know it today that your birth isn’t just ordinary. Through you many have seen light and many more persons will see light. The people are optimistic that whatever sparks a desire in you to lift people from ground zero to the state of excitement will continue.
While God keeps turning you 360° in grace and in abundance, the young people in degree 0 of life are more hopeful for support that will enable them to take off and the illuminations that will guide their paths. The widows and orphans are not left out. You have been of great help to them, may your hands never grow weary.

As a band of light, you have remained a spectrum of emissions through the Ifeanyi Uke Foundation. To many, having you around evokes a sense of possibility as they navigate through the difficulties of life. In all, they say thank you

As we celebrate with you today, may lines of grace, good health, and abundance continue to fall in pleasant places for you. You are blessed forever.

As you continue in your altruistic lifestyle, may favour, grace and peace be your portion. Amen.
Happy birthday Dr Ifeanyichukwu Uke; the CEO of Ifeanyi Uke Foundation.

Sam Ogbonna writes from the stables of Ifeanyi Uke Foundation.