*THE SPIRIT OF SECRET GIVING: A REFLECTION ON THE LIFE AND FAITH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, Dr. LUCKY ORIMISAN AYEDATIWA*



Some people help others secretly and strictly instruct that no one should ever know about it. Instead, the person should go ahead to thank God Almighty even instead of thanking him. Some may render help without explicitly demanding secrecy, yet they remain unconcerned if the beneficiary decides to make it public. However, there are those who assist others and would ensure that the entire world knows what they have done, sometimes even before the person being helped fully comprehends the gesture.


Indeed, there are various categories of people when it comes to rendering help to humanity. But I can boldly affirm that His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, perfectly represents the first category, those who give quietly, selflessly, and sincerely, with no expectation of public acknowledgment or praise.


From his days as a private individual long before assuming the office of Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan  Ayedatiwa has always demonstrated a compassionate and kindhearted spirit. His approach to giving aligns deeply with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who instructed in Matthew 6:3-4  *“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”*


This passage captures the core of Mr. Governor’s belief and faith in God, the conviction that true charity and compassion must not seek human applause but divine approval. His Excellency. Dr Lucky Ayedatiwa believes, as written in Luke 6:38, that *"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over...”*


These scriptures form the foundation of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s personal philosophy of giving. He gives quietly, not for recognition, but out of genuine love and obedience to God’s Word, knowing that only God Almighty rewards true kindness.


In an ideal society, acts of such humility and generosity are quickly noticed and celebrated. People would naturally recognise and appreciate the heart of a leader who governs with sincerity, love, and genuine compassion. However, in our kind of society where competition, envy, and jealousy often overshadow goodwill, such quiet acts of kindness are easily misunderstood.


Many who do not understand his ways have wrongly perceived Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa as someone who does not assist people around him. But that assumption is far from the truth. Those close to him know that he has been consistent in rendering help long before joining active politics. His giving comes from a place of faith, humility, and conviction, not publicity.


He often helps individuals from his private resources without fanfare or political motive. Only a few who directly benefit or happen to be close to the beneficiaries are aware of these gestures. A good example was seen when the Chairman of the Hospital Management Board (HMB) publicly appreciated Mr. Governor’s compassionate intervention to assist some indigent Ondo State indigenes who were unable to afford medical treatment for chronic ailments. That testimony merely revealed a fraction of the Governor’s many quiet acts of benevolence.


For His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, giving is not a political strategy. it is a reflection of his personal relationship with God. His faith in Christ Jesus has not only shaped his life but has also greatly influenced his political journey. He remains a living example of Christ’s teaching on humility, service, and secret generosity without publicity. 


As the Scripture affirms, *“Let your light so shine before men,  that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven”* (Matthew 5:16). Indeed, all glory, honour, and adoration belong to the Almighty God who rewards every good deed done in secret.


*TOPE LIBERTY CARES*