24/07/2018
Mr. Envoh Emmanuel Okolo was born in the late 80s to the family of Envoh A. Emmanuel on 24th March. He is an indigene of Lafia LGA of Nasarawa state. He is the First among Seven children; sadly he lost a sister. He started his education at ERCC Central Church Nursery and Primary School, Lafia (1991-1999) then proceeded to St John Bosco Secondary school, Doma, (1999-2002) then Federal Science College, Sokoto (2003-2005). He said "I couldn't secure University admission that same year so I enrolled at Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia for my IJMB 2005-2006".
In 2006 he got admission at Nasarawa state University, Keffi to study Microbiology. He graduated from University in 2010. He recounted some challenges he faced during school. In his words he pointed out "Leaving lectures some time hustle through typing of students project, assignments, course form registration" and "Late graduation from school with my mates due to a couple of carryovers, financial challenges" after how he did not participate in NYSC with his mates after university. These experiences can be very traumatising but one must imbibe the habit of keeping on.
Mr Envoh did not let what seemed like set backs withdraw his passion and drive towards education. He went on to his postgraduate program at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi 2015-2018.
His life is one that is inspiring. He wasn't born into a life of luxury which has placed a lot of demands on meeting up in life for him. In his words, "I started life with a lot of difficulties some of which include the inability for my parents to pay my fee on time along side my siblings and growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods".
Most of us would expect the sad tragedy of defeat with these much challenges in the life of one person but not from Mr. Envoh. His passion and drive has kept him on his feet.
He is one of the few persons who are advocates for a right course to health and other developmental issues.
He is the Executive Director/Founder of Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI) which was established on the 5th of September 2011 with the support of a group of individuals who were committed to giving their time and youthful energy to address the very issues that he has been passionate about which include rapidly increasing problem of emerging diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Ebola as well as other emerging diseases that has crippled the healthy state of the community and as well ignorant of some of the emerging disease which are prevalent in the area.
His NGO work with poor, marginalized and excluded communities to promote pro- poor activities at all levels, Pro Health Activities, and Pro Education and other support for the Marginalized.
They have embarked on several projects which includes(amongst an array of plenty);
- Awareness for free Hepatitis B&C screening to 120 participates and vaccines administration to 70 non reactive clients. 22nd December, 2013.
- HCT to 80 participates in Awonge Village, Lafia North, Nasarawa State. 6th December, 2013.
- Sensitization on effects of drug abuse among the youth and community members of Aridi community, Lafia, Nasarawa State in Partnership with ICS/VSO. 22nd November, 2013.
His active participation in functioning as a part of the selfless reformers of our society has earned him several travels around the world. In his words, "I have travelled to over 13 European and African countries some of which are UK (Scotland), Brazil (Sao Paulo), South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Gambia, Côte d voile, etc".
He is still actively participating in very tremendous life changing societal duties and doing auch with so much vigour.
It is so amazing to know that where one comes from has nothing to do with where on is headed. From growing up in one of the poorest neighbourhoods around to adding value to his society and travelling around the world fulfilling same, Mr. Envoh's story is one that is truly reassuring and inspiring.
Do not stop working hard, do not give up, stay focused and keep pushing.
