“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants,” observed Epictetus. Similarly, Cicero noted, “Virtue is its own reward.” Today, let’s reflect on the extraordinary life of my brother and foster father, Emmanuel Esitikot, a man who epitomized the boundless wealth found not in material riches, but in an abundance of virtue.
Do you know that some individuals, despite lacking conventional material wealth, possess an immeasurable richness that touches countless lives? My foster father, Emmanuel Esitikot, was such a man.
Do you know that many knew him not by his birth name, Emmanuel, but affectionately as “Udojid” – a deeply meaningful nickname translating to “The second son that belonged to everyone”? This moniker perfectly captured the essence of a man whose life was a beautiful paradox.
Though he was not materially wealthy in the conventional sense, he possessed an inexhaustible wellspring of generosity, always having enough to give to anyone who sought his aid and going outside his routine to seek for those who needed positive changes in fortune but who lacked the will power to step out to seek such.
He was a singular individual, yet he belonged to everyone except himself, embodying a profound selflessness that allowed him to be “in pieces for the peace of others.”
When I was just a child, and many might have seen me as a burden, he embraced me as an asset, nurturing my potential. His wisdom served as a constant refuge, and despite holding no official title, countless individuals brought their marital, family, and other challenges to his feet, trusting in his equitable mediation and soothing solution.
He seemed to have a limitless reservoir of wisdom in dealing even with challenging issues without ruffling feathers and had the uncommon grace of seeing “simplicity” even in complex and complicated issues.
He possessed an incredible capacity for emotional intelligence, maintaining composure amidst chaos, speaking with measured words, and even letting go of what was most dear to him for the greater good.
He possessed the strange DNA that enabled him live peacefully with anyone irrespective of the person’s height of madness or depth of rascality. Unfortunately, many misconstrued his simplicity for weakness and abused his vulnerability for human kindness.
His unwavering commitment to doing good, even when met with ingratitude, was a testament to his remarkable discipline. He may not have made headlines, but his indelible impact left “heart-lines” on countless lives.
So, enhance your capacity to live a life rich in virtues. Learn from Udojid whose life was a living sermon on simplicity and contentment, a testament to the fact that true wealth lies not in what you accumulate, but in the positive influence you exert on others.
Cultivate the quiet strength to listen more than you speak, to choose your words carefully, and to maintain your composure amidst turmoil. Practice the art of letting go, understanding that true peace often requires releasing what you tightly cling to.
Develop the resilience to continue doing good, regardless of how others respond, recognizing that your impact is measured not by external validation but by the positive change you bring to individual lives. Strive to be a refuge for others, offering guidance and a calm presence in their times of need, just as “Udojid” was to so many.
Recognize that despite lacking numerous academic certificates, he was undeniably a professor in the University of Life, teaching invaluable lessons through his actions rather than just words. Let his quiet strength, his ability to remain calm amidst turmoil, and his unwavering kindness, even when others paid him back negatively, set a powerful example for you.
Learn from his example that true leadership isn’t about power or position, but about genuine care, integrity, and the willingness to serve. May his legacy remind you that by cultivating virtues like generosity, selflessness, wisdom, and emotional intelligence, you can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world, far beyond any material possessions you might acquire.
As you step out today, remember the profound impact one virtuous life can have. Emmanuel Esitikot, our beloved Udojid, may be gone, but his multifaceted legacies as a husband, father, brother, sponsor, adviser, mentor, life coach, and peacemaker will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
May his life serve as a timeless reminder that the greatest wealth lies not in the accumulation of physical properties and monetary riches but in living a life of abundance of virtues.
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA, as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
