Covid19: Chief Ikenna Duru marks birthday in a philosophical mood.
3 min read
June 22 every year is a special day in the life of Hon. Imperial High Chief, Ambassador (Dr) Enyioha Ikenna Fortune Duru. On this date, precisely in 1973, little Ikenna Duru was born in Umuduruemeruo, Umuezeala Umuele Amazano Autonomous Community. By this divine accident of birth on June 22, little Ikenna Duru who has systematically grown to become Dr Ikenna Duru, shares from the glory of a league of prominent personalities across the world who were also born on this special date.
Just take a look.
Chris Blackwell, an English music businessman and the famous owner of Island Records and Bob Marley’s producer. Jerry Rawlings, former head of state and former president of Ghana from 1981 to 2001. H. Rider Haggard, a famous British fiction writer and Knight Commander of the Most Order of the British Empire. Joie Lee, an American screenwriter, producer and actress. Cyndi Lauper, a famous American female songwriter . Ada Yonath, an Israeli crystallographer and a host of others who God decided to bless the world with on June 22.
People like Chief Dr Ikenna Duru, a philanthropist, businessman, pharmacist, social worker and a sports development expert and promoter have their own special way of showing gratitude to God and humanity especially during their birthday celebrations. The Coronavirus lockdown and all other distractions and restrictions that have characterized the pandemic, made Dr Duru decide to mark his 2020 birthday in a total spiritual and philosophical mood. On that day, Dr Duru spent hours reading the Bible, reasoning and asking questions about life, death, human existence, life after life and the poor as well. As a political animal, he also reflected on the way Nigeria is going on today, the high rate of insecurity, killings and economic hardship.
Hear him speak below:
What is the secret to happiness in your own view?
What every living soul should know is that the secret to happiness is all about helping others. There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help and continue to help somebody.
What then is the meaning of life to you?
I believe that the sole meaning of life is to serve humanity, and it is in giving that we receive. We make a living by what we get and make a life by what we give.
What is your advice to the rich?
For those who are better off or more privileged than others, I encourage them to continue to support the less-privileged with passion, since our passion should be the foundation for our giving.
Is money everything to you?
On the other hand, we should realize that money is not necessarily everything, rather, the gift of time is often more valuable to the receiver and more satisfying for a giver than the gift of money. We don’t have the same amount of money, but we more often, have more time and can give more of this time to help others, whether that means we devote our lifetime to service to humanity, or just give a few hours each day, or a few days a year to help others. Helping others is thought to be one of the ways that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections.
How long do you think that the benefits of kindness will last?
The benefits of helping others can last long after the act itself, for those offering kindness, and those who benefit. This in turn, can improve our self-esteem or boost feelings of confidence and optimism.
In your conclusion what can you assure your people with regards to kindness?
In conclusion, I can assure you that people who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their wellbeing and happiness. They may even live longer because kindness can contribute in reducing stress and improve our emotional wellbeing.
Your final message is what?
We make a living by what we get and make a life by what we give.
Chief Enyioha, Umuaka Times wishes you a happy birthday and prays that God will grant you more years and good health.
Happy birthday sir.
