By Ofem Usani Joseph, PhD
Gratitude is a virtue that speaks volumes about the character of those who possess it. In the academic journey, particularly at the doctoral level, the road is often lonely, rough, and demanding. It requires not only personal commitment but also the support of mentors, facilitators, and benefactors who make the journey bearable and successful. It is within this context that we must appreciate and celebrate The Oden Ewa Effect, a rare demonstration of leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
For those unfamiliar with this phenomenon, The Oden Ewa Effect is more than just a phrase; it is a revelation to the impact of a selfless individual who facilitated the completion of doctoral programmes for a group of scholars across Central Senatorial District who might otherwise have been stranded in the murky waters of uncertainty. This is not a mere act of generosity; it is an extraordinary commitment to the advancement of knowledge, a gesture that should be acknowledged, celebrated, and immortalized.
In a society where many take kindness for granted, it is refreshing to see doctoral graduands publicly acknowledge the man who stood in the gap for them. Gratitude should never be an afterthought; it should be an intentional and dignified response to good deeds. Those who understand the weight of sacrifice recognize that the completion of a doctoral journey is not a trivial achievement. It is an intellectual war, fought with long hours of research, sleepless nights, countless revisions, and the emotional toll of scholarly pursuit. Therefore, those who enable such victories deserve more than just a passing acknowledgment,they deserve profound appreciation.
Unfortunately, there will always be detractors: those who, either out of ignorance or sheer pettiness, attempt to downplay noble gestures. These individuals, blinded by their own inadequacies, may seek to commonize this grand exhibition of gratitude. However, history has shown that while cynics may talk, greatness remains undeterred. The truth is immutable: those who recognize and appreciate the efforts of their benefactors open doors for greater opportunities, while the ungrateful seal their own fate with arrogance and myopia.
There is an invaluable lesson here for all, particularly for scholars, professionals, and anyone privileged to receive support in their journey. The true measure of a person is not just in their academic credentials but in their ability to recognize and honor those who played a role in their success. The Oden Ewa Effect should serve as a blueprint for future generations, a clear example of how intellectuals should conduct themselves in the face of great acts of kindness.
To the graduating doctoral scholars, this act of gratitude is not just about today; it is about setting a standard for those coming behind. You are teaching others that in a world often filled with selfishness and entitlement, true leaders acknowledge their benefactors. You are showing that a good deed, no matter how grand, must not be forgotten.
It is easy to receive help; it is noble to acknowledge it. The exhibition of gratitude we witness today is not an ordinary event—it is a reality show in its own right, one that should be televised, studied, and adopted as a guiding principle for those who seek success.
To Hon. Oden Ewa, this is your moment; a well-deserved recognition of your impact. And to those who still fail to see the significance of this, perhaps it is time they learn that greatness is not in individual achievement alone but in the ability to lift others to their destined heights.
May The Oden Ewa Effect continue to resonate, inspire, and remind us all of the power of gratitude.
By Ofem Usani Joseph
NCE(Dist), B.Ed(Hons); M.Ed(Dist); Ph.D(Dist); B.Sc(1st Class)
