By
Basheer Luqman Olarewaju
Ilorin city was in agog with the homecoming of the Shagaya brothers for the 18th Money Relief Scheme targeted over 500 beneficiaries drawn from Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Areas of Kwara State, scheduled for 30th of January, 2022, at the Government High School, Adeta, Ilorin.
“I’m still picking my jaw up from the floor, the pace and scope of the charitable giving is staggering”, a beneficiary told the local press.
Shagaya family created a channel for Kwarans to be empowered because they believe so much that helping others is not only good for them and a good thing to do, it also makes everyone happier and healthier too. Giving also connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone. And it’s not all about money – they also give their time, ideas and energy.
“Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.” ―Henry Longfellow
Indeed, generosity makes our world a better place. It improves the life of the receiver. And it improves the life of the giver. Yet, despite the benefits, generosity is still too rare in our world today.
Instead, our society craves and pursues more at every turn. We seek enjoyment by directing most of our resources towards our own pursuits: security, possessions, experiences, enjoyment, leisure and luxury. Meanwhile, significant opportunities for generosity surround us every day at every turn. In order to unconform our thinking in a consumer-driven world and begin taking greater advantage of the abundant benefits of generosity, the Shagayas shown all and sundry the need to shift our worldview.
They recognize the resource pie is not finite. The mindset of competition—that my resources only grow when someone else’s shrinks—is based on a faulty premise. It assumes there is a finite sized pie and if someone else enjoys success, my opportunity shrinks. But quite frankly, through Salman Shagaya Foundation, we see that, this thinking is incorrect. The pie of resources is not finite. It continues to grow as society benefits from others’ success.
Shagaya brothers know that generosity leads to greater happiness as some studies confirm what generous people already know: giving increases happiness, fulfillment, and purpose in the life of the giver. They understand the principle of giving as; we were not designed to be creatures of selfishness. Instead, we were designed to seek and discover happiness in loving and caring for others. And those who decide to look for fulfillment there, quickly discover it.
They find success in helping others succeed because the easiest path to finding success in your life is to help someone else find theirs. After all, our contribution to this world has to be measured by something more significant than the size of our savings account. Our lives are going to find their greatest significance in how we choose to live them—and how we enable others to live theirs.
Moreover, they believe changing even one life is worthwhile. Like many other Kindhearted people, they are quick to admit the world’s problems will never be solved by one person… and perhaps, never completely solved even in the future. But perfection does not slow them. To them, changing even one life within their sphere of influence is reward enough. And is a worthy endeavor to be sought. A thought that birthed the chants “Shagaya De!” with choruses “Irorun De!”
Importantly, most people of their caliber find it difficult to entrust their moneys and resources to others; one would be left in agape seeing and knowing how convenient it is for Shagayas to trust others. Though, munificence always requires trust. To invest individual resources into another person, we must believe, on some level, that they will use them wisely. It is crystal clear that Shagaya brothers are optimistic. And optimistic people are happy people because they choose to live in a world where belief in others is liberally employed.
Howbeit, they dream big dreams for their money. Normally, our money is only as valuable as what we choose to spend it on. The Shagayas use their excess to bring big dreams into reality. They embrace the reality that their financial resources can be used to improve the quality of life for others. They can be used to make their communities safer, smarter, and more responsible. They can be used to make this world a little more pleasant for everyone. Indeed, they always dream big dreams for their money… and so should we.
Moreso, they see more resources to give than money. It is pertinent for all of us to uphold the truth as Shagayas on the belief that we have so much more to offer this world than just financial resources. We have time, talents, experiences, and lessons learned. Giving people think beyond their money and begin to invest their lives into others. Often times, this step can be more difficult than signing a check… but usually, it is more desperately needed.
They fully embrace the reality that life is short. Life is short. And we only get one shot at it. Those who fully embrace this reality learn to live life in light of it. They recognize we have but a short time to leave our imprint on this world. And they cheerfully give their resources to accomplish it. As such, they are content to live with less.
By definition, true generosity requires a level of contentment. It recognizes the reality that giving our resources to another person means we have less for ourselves. In this way, contentment forms the foundation for generosity. But in response, surprisingly enough, generosity also becomes the fuel for greater contentment.
Our world is desperately seeking cheerful and generous givers. They improve society. They inspire us. They push us forward. And their view of the world is one I desire to further grow in my own life.
I ask for everyday prayers for these loving, helpful and generous people who pray for the needs of other people everyday that God grant them the strength and guidance to continue to love and share to others and that God grant them and their families petitions for their everyday life. That God protect them from danger and harm to their soul and body. That God our personal savior shower them His mercy and grace each day. Amen
Basheer is the Press Secretary of Salman Shagaya Foundation
