I am Rev Fr Ada Emmanuel, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko , Benue State Nigeria. I hold a Bachelor of Art in Philosophy, Bachelor of Theology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education(PGDE). Planning one’s journey with a sail boat often implies planning one’s journey around the whims of nature. The desire to be of service to God and his people as his ministry priest was a call of selfless service to humanity. I cannot afford to depend on the whims and caprices of the wind to pilot the affairs, as serious and engaging as the priesthood. I am an enigma, fit and dispose for the spiritual growth of the people of God.

Immediately after my ordination in 2013, which I had work in the chancery; the heart of the Diocese. I was saddled with the responsibility of an Assistant Pastor in St. Winnifred Parish Ihugh; Benue State Nigeria. As a young priest, I was also appointed the Director of Projects, Catholic Diocese of Gboko.

Then, I imbibed a dictum: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one”. As a special person, my life is anchored on this dictum. As a priest, I care deeply about all people, which is my life’s calling, but also as someone who sees wrong in our world and who does whatever he can to make things better for those who find themselves in different situations. I have been empowering people to help those less fortune and help those who are having difficulties whether it be in health, finance and other life’s positive ventures.

Presently, with the help of trusted friends, we run an organization called Direct Relief Foundation Nigeria. A foundation aimed at reaching out to the less privileged in areas like; academics, medical outreach, scholarships, skills acquisition and world a view. Though work is ongoing but not yet fully registered. However, it’s vision and mission is already in existence going by what we do. For me, the greatest gift for humanity is leaning a shoulder for others to lean on.

Since human beings are products of mentoring, my life has been fashioned and influenced by great personalities. I find extreme joy reading the works of the Formal President of the United States of American; Barack Obama, his in-depth Will of mobilization and concern for the poor. My admiration for Mother Theresa of Calcutta; her selfless generosity knows no bounds. St. Rita of Cascia and Pope John Paul II. These instrumental figures had demonstrated love and care for humanity regardless. So,basically; I’m following their track records to contribute my quota in the works of humanity. Indeed, posterity will be kind to them.

Presently, I’m Project Director of Selagi Projects . Selagi project is the initiative of the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, to put a smile on a community that since it’s existence has lacked basic human needs. A community that is cut off from modern civilization, a community without an electricity and clean water supply. Towards the effective realization of the dream for Selagi Project, I have come up with a fifteen (15) years solid vision in these areas: Religious Activities, Marian Shrine, Shrines of Various Saints, Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, Accommodation for Pilgrims, Retreat Center, Retirement Home, Recreational Center, School Library, Hostels for both Female and Male, Skills Acquisition Centre, Mesuem, Mini Market, Parks and Garden. This is a vision that will be actualized within the stipulated time frame if proper founding and support is given.

This community is best describe as poor and vulnerable .
Through my presence on ground for the past three years we have been able to build and roof an elementary and high schools and students have begun learning .
The project also has a weekly adoration programme , this avenue opens up for pilgrims from different works of life for the purpose of worshipping God. Some, due to the deplorable nature of the road during winter, accessibility into the community becomes a problem.

Selagi which is named after a mountain , this mountain has remained the viable way by which God has demonstrated his presence . A cross stand over the mountain; 14feet tall, built from the generosity of Direct Relief Foundation and a good fellow Mr. John Ugaga. This cross has been a source of blessing to the teeming population that come for worship. This religious activity has helped a lot of people for their spiritual and other needs , since the black man is a highly religious person .

As a community organizer, we have integrated the whole community into agriculture, this is aimed at re-channeling their energies to useful ventures thereby reducing the tendency of high cult activities, crimes and other illegal activities within the community . This had worked so well .

I have functioned in other capacities over time.
Director of the Catholic Resource Center where we gathered people and encouraged and trained them towards been self-sufficient and substantial! This programme was done for three years and has endured even as I am no more there .
I was the pioneer chaplain of Government Secondary School Gboko .
This also availed me the opportunity to work with youths . I also begun a catholic chaplaincy that has endured up till now.

The social media is a powerful means of reaching out to people far beyond imagination. I have been on the social media platform for more than two decade. My page has been a platform to reach out ; promote virtues that are worthwhile and vices of any sort

My humanitarian actions are guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity. Today, I’m happy as a priest because my job reflects my values and my believes. And this, by the grace of God which is sufficient; I shall continue to reach out to humanity on the pulpit and off the pulpit ! God helping us. I was introduced to this platform by @beskizito.