Chuks E.

There’s always been this debate about the nature of giving, should it be something private, or should it be done out loud, visible, public? Some people will argue, and not without reason, that the highest, purest form of charity is the one that’s done quietly, away from the eyes of applause. The kind where the giver walks away and no one but the receiver knows what just happened. There’s something deeply sacred about that. It keeps pride at bay, it protects dignity, it honors the spirit of compassion rather than the ego of the giver. It says: I’m doing this because it matters, not because I need you to notice me.   But then again, there’s the other side. The moment we live in today is hyper-connected. Social media has turned into a stage, and many times public giving is written off as nothing more than PR stunts, a way for brands or individuals to polish their image. And yes, sometimes that’s exactly what it is. We’ve all seen it: the cameras following the convoy of donations, the captions crafted for virality, the self-congratulatory tone that makes the act feel less like generosity and more like a marketing campaign. That’s where people roll their eyes and mutter: “If you really cared, you wouldn’t have announced it.” The truth is that charity isn’t either/or. It can be quiet or loud, hidden or broadcast, sacred or strategic. What matters is that the need gets met, that someone somewhere feels the weight on their shoulders lighten because another person cared. Anonymous giving keeps our ego in check; public giving, done well, inspires a chain reaction. Both have their place, and both can change lives. For NGOs silence is a privilege we can’t always afford. While an individual might be able to slip money into a stranger’s hand and walk away unseen, an NGO is usually accountable to something bigger than itself, donors, partners, communities, sometimes even governments. The act of making charity public is not always about self-promotion; sometimes it’s about trust, it’s about proof. Think of it this way: if an NGO keeps everything hidden in the name of “humility,” how does anyone know the work is real? How do potential partners decide to collaborate? How do ordinary people feel safe entrusting their own money to a cause? Publicizing charity, for many organizations, is not vanity, it’s visibility. And visibility is the lifeline that allows them to raise funds, scale their work, and actually reach more people. There’s also the cultural effect. When an NGO goes public about its giving, whether it’s building schools, providing food relief, or running medical outreaches, it does more than document the act. It reframes generosity as something collective. It reminds society that solutions don’t only live in government offices or big corporations; they can be built by communities who care enough to act. In that sense, public giving is less about showing off and more about storytelling. It says, this is what’s possible when we come together. At Genach, we believe giving is bigger than the giver. Whether it’s done quietly or publicly, the real measure is in the lives changed and the hope restored. That’s why we keep creating spaces for people to show up, however they can, loud or silent, big or small, because every act of generosity plants something that grows. And in the end, that’s the kind of ripple worth chasing.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF EDO STUDENTS. Genach Incorporation (Inc.), in a successful collaboration with the Edo State Government, and Ministry of Education recently hosted The Writing Symposium, a dynamic one-day event designed to ignite a passion for writing and equip teens and young adults (secondary school and university-bound students) with skills, explore their writing potential and discover pathways to monetize their talents. The event, held on the 15th of May, 2024 drew anticipating students of aspiring writers eager to explore the power of both creative and copywriting. The event kicked off with a dazzling red carpet arrival of participating schools, distinguished guests and prominent figures within and outside the state, including the Commissioner of Social Development and Gender issues, Hon. Christabel Omoh Ekwu, and Sir Amorigoye Sunny Mene, the Chairman/Chief Executive of Solid Education Integrated Concepts Ltd and the Proprietor of Solid Education Centre. The commissioner of Social Development and Gender issues delivered a powerful address emphasizing the critical role writing plays in students’ development, both academically and career wise. The highlight of the day were the insightful keynote speeches by: Prof. Emmanuel Akpe, a leading figure in the field of writing, shed light on the lucrative world of Copywriting, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for young writers interested in this specific writing genre. Rachel Fredrick, a creative writing expert, captivated the audience with her exploration of the boundless possibilities within Creative Writing. Her inspirational words sparked the imagination of aspiring novelists, poets, and storytellers among the students. An engaging Q&A session followed, fostering an interactive environment where young writers could address their questions and concerns directly to the experts. ATINÚKÉ UNVEILED. Ms. Fredrick further delighted the audience by unveiling her new book, ATINÚKÉ. The insightful review provided by Mrs. Patience Kayoma deepened the appreciation for Ms. Fredrick’s literary contribution. CHANGEMAKERS IN THE MAKING The excitement reached its peak during the presentation of award to the students and schools who earlier participated in a spoken word competition. Students from various institutions across Edo State were given a platform to showcase their creative prowess through captivating poetry presentations, and the guest of honours presented well-deserved awards to the winners, sponsored by KC Devices. The Chief Executive of Solid Education Integrated Concepts Ltd and the Proprietor of Solid Education Centre also hired all the participants WAEC, NECO and JAMB scholarships acknowledging their exceptional talents. The commissioner of Social Development and Gender issues delivered a powerful address emphasizing the critical role writing plays in students’ development, both academically and career wise. The highlight of the day were the insightful keynote speeches by: Prof. Emmanuel Akpe, a leading figure in the field of writing, shed light on the lucrative world of Copywriting, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for young writers interested in this specific writing genre. Rachel Fredrick, a creative writing expert, captivated the audience with her exploration of the boundless possibilities within Creative Writing. Her inspirational words sparked the imagination of aspiring novelists, poets, and storytellers among the students. An engaging Q&A session followed, fostering an interactive environment where young writers could address their questions and concerns directly to the experts. ATINÚKÉ UNVEILED. Ms. Fredrick further delighted the audience by unveiling her new book, ATINÚKÉ. The insightful review provided by Mrs. Patience Kayoma deepened the appreciation for Ms. Fredrick’s literary contribution. CHANGEMAKERS IN THE MAKING The excitement reached its peak during the presentation of award to the students and schools who earlier participated in a spoken word competition. Students from various institutions across Edo State were given a platform to showcase their creative prowess through captivating poetry presentations, and the guest of honours presented well-deserved awards to the winners, sponsored by KC Devices. The Chief Executive of Solid Education Integrated Concepts Ltd and the Proprietor of Solid Education Centre also hired all the participants WAEC, NECO and JAMB scholarships acknowledging their exceptional talents. CELEBRATING A NEW CHAPTER Culminating a momentous occasion, the Writing Symposium concluded on a high note, inducting esteemed individuals as Patrons and Matrons of the organization. With the cutting of a special cake, Genach celebrated its formal inauguration as a non-profit brand. A RESOUNDING SUCCESS! IMPACT MADE. The Writing Symposium was one of the greatest Educational events in Edo state. This proved our great mission of empowering the right resource for the right results. The collaborative effort between Genach Inc. And the Edo State Government, and other sponsors and partners provided a valuable platform for young writers to discover their voices, hone their craft, and explore the possibilities of turning their passion into a fulfilling career pursuit. The Writing Symposium wasn’t an end to itself. Looking forward, Genach Inc. marked a significant step towards empowering young writers in Edo State through support,  mentorship programs, and opportunities that will be available and made ready after the event. This is just the beginning!