By: INNOCENT ONYEUKWU
Rare gems are in short supply. To say they are going extinct is not an understatement.
In a world where good values have been eroded, it is rare to see men and women, who remain committed and devoted to the cause of aiding humanity.
One of them who has stood out is, Prince (Dr) Alex Mbata, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Imo East Senatorial candidate, the business tycoon, the Prince from Ngwoma Obube Community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
Mbata is a pillar of success, a man of excellence, who has in words and deeds, elevated giving to those on the lower ladder of life, as an art.
Call him an empowerment gladiator, a phenomenal leader, you are not mistaken.
Mbata has unconsciously emerged a leader of men, a cosmopolitan and cerebral man, whose unassuming nature could disarm anyone.
He has already made a mark on the sand of history which will be difficult to erase. In business, in philanthropy and academia, he has attained the zenith of success.
Through his Humanitarian Foundation, Mbata engaged in life-changing humanitarian activities for many, which makes him not a stranger to kind gestures. He is a giver and givers, they say, never lack.
Mbata, an embodiment of humility has built a vast business empire, which has employed thousands of Nigerians, mainly Imolites.
ABM as he is known in the corporate world does not belong to the club of elite oppressors who prey on the needy for self gratification, adulation or for political gain.
He is neither the perfect definition of a typical Nigerian politician, who dispenses favour and goodwill to reap political gain or followership in return.
Rather he has remained an unrepentant promoter of public good with verifiable chains of humanitarian deeds and actions.
Last year, he unveiled the biggest empowerment programme in Imo State with over 5,000 people benefiting from a multi-million naira empowerment scheme driven by the Alex Mbata Humanitarian Foundation.
Aside his humanitarian activities, Mbata, through his ABM Global Group has contributed enormously to the growth of various sectors of the nation’s turbulent economy.
As an educationist, Mbata has made unique and significant contributions to the growth and advancement of the education sector in Nigeria.
He was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Imo State University, Owerri, where he elevated IMSU to a quality citadel of learning.
His impeccable record, positive antecedents earned him a presidential appointment, when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as a member of Federal Government/ASUU Reconciliation and Negotiating Committee led by renowned educationist, Prof Wale Babalakin, which proffered solutions to a wide range of issues which plague Nigeria universities, and also addressed the welfare of Nigerian lecturers.
Mbata has remained a consistent soothing balm to the less privileged and exhibited a fiery passion for human capital development.
He bears the image of a humanist, an advocate of the downtrodden who has put humanity first even before he joined politics.
Mbata single handedly constructed a 2km road with street lights and drainage, worth millions of naira in the heart of Owerri Municipality and in Ngwoma Obube in Owerri North
Before then, he had unannounced donated N20 million to the state government to tackle COVID-19 and gave out palliatives worth millions of naira to the downtrodden to cushion the effects of the virus.
As he adds another golden year, this practical lover of humanity and epitome of simplicity, is in full swing for more exploits in years to come.
Happy birthday to a man of many parts!
