By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Dr. Adonis Abboud, esteemed philanthropist, businessman, diplomat and Chairman of the Adonis Abboud Trust Fund (AATF) recently unveiled a remarkable literary work titled: “Pikin Bizness: Many Hearts Mended Since 2005.” This compelling book, comprising 333 pages, serves as a testament to Dr. Abboud’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes and community development. It was published in the United Kingdom with 200 copies now in Freetown.
“Pikin Bizness: Many Hearts Mended Since 2005” offers an insightful glimpse into the extensive humanitarian efforts led by Dr. Adonis Abboud and supported by influential figures within and outside the country. Divided into three comprehensive sections, the book chronicles the diverse range of assistance provided to vulnerable individuals, particularly children and various institutions.
The first section of the book delves into the realm of health assistance, shedding light on the numerous medical interventions spearheaded by Pikin Bizness. Notably, detailed accounts are provided of life-saving surgeries conducted, particularly for children afflicted with heart conditions. Many of these young patients have successfully recovered and are thriving, thanks to the compassionate efforts of Dr. Abboud and his team.
Education takes center stage in the second section of the book, with a focus on the substantial support extended to educational initiatives. Dr. Abboud’s commitment to education is palpable, with his active involvement in convocation ceremonies at eight universities across the country for the past 18 years. Furthermore, the establishment of the academic aiding pathway underscores his dedication to nurturing the academic potential of students, particularly those in the medical field.
The book also highlights Dr. Abboud’s “One Student One Radio Campaign,” aimed at ensuring widespread access to educational resources, including radio sets and learning materials, for pupils nationwide. Additionally, significant contributions to schools in the form of learning materials and infrastructural support underscore Dr. Abboud’s steadfast commitment to fostering quality education.
The final section of the book delves into community development endeavors spearheaded by Pikin Bizness. From donating footballs to local teams to providing modern fishing equipment to youths, Dr. Abboud’s philanthropic initiatives have left an indelible mark on communities across Sierra Leone. Notable projects include the construction of the Kamayama Bridge, refurbishment of the Hamilton Community Health Centre and the provision of Christmas treats to children, among others.
The father of a son that is one of the beneficiaries of the medical assistance rendered by Pikin Bizness, Kingsley Ighobor, who is the Communication Officer, Dept. Of Global Communications, U.N. Secretariat in New York said he has spoken to Zogie, his son, three times today.
He continued that during their last conversation, Zogie was exceptionally lively and looked forward to returning to Sierra Leone. Saying he asked after everyone and said he wanted to go to school.
According to him, when Zogie called him “PAPA,” he wept because he realized Zogie had just been rescued from the grip of death adding how they can now, as parents, plan and plot his future—not rushing to the next hospital.
He revealed how for the first time since Zogie’s birth nearly six years ago, they can rest assured that he’s got a future.
Kingsley stated how before now, they couldn’t maintaining that it was about living by the day because they were never sure if he would survive the next. He maintained that Zogie has never had the opportunity to live and grow like other kids as he couldn’t play in the evening for fear of getting ill furthering how they were told he shouldn’t be allowed to get over-excited; he wasn’t allowed to cry.
“He missed going to school at the slightest hint of illness or even when there was a change of weather,” the father disclosed saying he has visited most hospitals in Freetown, and they have taken him to Banjul in Gambia, Dakar in Senegal, Abuja in Nigeria, and lately Accra in Ghana—all in desperate attempts to get him good health.
Kingsley said Zogie would like to profoundly thank Dr Adonis Abboud and David as well as Pikin Bizness for those extraordinary efforts in taking Zogie to Paris, where he successfully underwent an operation to repair his heart.
He pointed out that Zogie is lucky to have had that opportunity as he understands there are quite a number of kids in Sierra Leone who have had to endure the anguish and debilitation of living with a heart condition, unsure if they would ever grow up.
Kingsley stated that it is really sad disclosing how Zogie wishes Pikin Bizness could get more support from the business community, other NGOs, and possibly the Government so that lives are not unnecessarily wasted.
The father of the beneficiary child intimated that from the bottom of his heart, he would like to, on behalf of Zogie, his mum and numerous well-wishers, say thank you and wish Adonis Aboud and David God’s richest blessings and support as they strive to save lives.
Throughout the pages of “Pikin Bizness: Many Hearts Mended Since 2005,” Dr. Adonis Abboud’s unwavering compassion and commitment to uplifting communities shine brightly. This compelling literary work serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of philanthropy and community engagement, making it a must-read for all.
