By Dennis Udoma

In a moving celebration of empathy, social responsibility, and grassroots impact, the Global Community Newsweek Newspaper, in collaboration with Barr. John Elijah’s Foundation marked its 15th Annual Empowerment Programme with a bold gesture: the unveiling of 5,000 brand-new school uniforms for indigent pupils in public primary schools across Akwa Ibom State.

Held amidst applause and emotion-laden testimonies, the colourful ceremony—hosted at the Nigeria Union of Journalists State Secretariat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital became a stage not just for charity, but for storytelling, healing, and collective affirmation of shared humanity.

Out of compassion for humanity, Barrister John Elijah shocked media stakeholders and dignitaries present at the occasion with his unprecedented gesture of cash lifelines he extended to widows, artisans, and journalists alike at the celebration of his Global Community Newsweek’s 15th Empowerment Programme.

Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umana at the event, described the initiative as “a practical embodiment of the ARISE Agenda.”

Speaking through his Personal Assistant, Mr. Udeme Inyang, the Governor praised Barr. Elijah and his editorial team as the first media house to provide tangible support to the state’s vision of inclusive growth and compassionate governance.

The centrepiece of the day’s activities was the public presentation of the 5,000 school uniforms, a deeply personal mission for Barr. John Elijah, Chairman of Global Community Newsweek’s Editorial Board.

Recalling his own childhood struggles with poverty and ridicules in school, Elijah said the project was born not from wealth or prestige, but from live experience and a desire to protect the dignity of young learners.

“I know what it means to walk into school in tattered clothes,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “This gesture is my way of saying to every child: you are seen, you matter, and you deserve better.”

True to its tradition, the empowerment event also reached into the heart of Akwa Ibom’s vulnerable communities with cash grants ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦100,000. These were distributed to over a dozen widows, artisans, and journalists; many of them sharing deeply personal stories of hardship and resilience.

Among the beneficiaries of Barrister John Elijah’s gesture were; Mrs. Happiness Uwem Joseph, who lost her husband shortly after he completed Law School, and Mr. Timiobong Akpan, a vulcanizer known for selling his land to save a distressed neighbour. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Victoria Adam, is caring for her bedridden husband of five years.

In the media space, long-serving newspaper vendor, Mr. Monday Etim, with 43 years of street-side dedication, was honoured alongside journalists Aniefiok Umoh, Samuel Abasiekong, and Mrs. Mfon Akpaeti.

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Amos Etuk, hailed Barr. Elijah’s philanthropy as “a rare act of kindness within the journalism profession,” describing the initiative as both timely and transformational.

Awards were also conferred on distinguished individuals for exemplary service and community impact.

Recipients included ; the founder of Southern Atlantic University ( Premier University in Ibibio Land) and businessman, Pastor Bassey James, who was represented by Sir Dennis Udoma, Mkpisong Edem Muffat Inyang, Village Head of Ikot Obiodongo; CSP Bassey Duke and CSP Ebong Thompson for security excellence.

Others were; Hon. Samuel Nteogwujah, Executive Chairman of Eastern Obolo; Esther Effiong of the Ministry of Information; youth leaders Nseobong Jacob and Aniekpeno Asuquo, popularly known as Sazzy.

The 15th anniversary programme proved to be more than a commemorative event. It was a moment of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the ideals of empathy and community upliftment.

As the curtains fell on the day’s activities, one truth remained evident: in a world often burdened by hardship, the power of one act of kindness can ripple through countless lives, lighting the path for others to follow.