What Manner of Man is Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire? — By Bibire Media

In the Bible, after Jesus calmed the storm at sea, His disciples, awestruck by the development, asked, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:27). They questioned His nature at that moment because He had just defied their human expectations.

Unlike Jesus, Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire did not perform miracles; what he did to defy human expectations was the demonstration of his extraordinary compassion and commitment to those in need, a development which continues to leave many in awe, just like Jesus’ disciples.

To put it in context, when the news of the Bibire Food Bank—the third in six months—broke out, some people marveled because they never expected a man not in political office to undertake such a project, especially after his numerous laudable humanitarian efforts without any political agenda. According to them, “This man has done enough; he should focus on his own family’s needs, or what manner of man is this, who has so much lost himself in the service of humanity?”

To be clear, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire is not an extraordinary being in the conventional sense; he is a man, like anyone reading this, with no supernatural powers or mystical gifts. What, however, distinguishes him is his heart driven by an unrelenting desire to ease the suffering of others with a determination so strong that places him above the ordinary. And, this is why his ongoing humanitarian efforts, especially through the Bibire Food Bank, have made him appear almost superhuman in a society where such selflessness is rare.

However, Bibire himself had come out publicly to dispel any notion of grandeur, as he humbly dished out about his upcoming mega food drive that “I do not hold any political office, and I am not doing this for show, but I am challenging everyone that can put food on his/her struggling neighbours table to do so, even if it’s for a day.”

These are not the words of someone seeking votes or chasing political clout; rather, they come from a person activated by a deep sense of empathy and responsibility toward others. And this his why his guiding principle, “Enikeni ti iwo ba nipa, lati se iranlowo fun, ohun ni enikeji re toju re” (Whoever you can help, they are your neighbours; take care of them), remains ever constant.

To him, his crystal clear vision is to ensure that everyone in need has access to help, this, indeed, informed his decision to establish his NGO– Hope Also Needs Help Foundation sadlled with the responsibility of addressing sundry human and societal needs, most especially to combat the growing hunger and the social problems it creates. He understands that hunger is more than the absence of food—it breeds desperation, crime, and hopelessness. Hence, his efforts are not about seeking already secured recognition but stem from his inability to stand by and do nothing while others suffer.

To many, it might seem as though Bibire is beyond human capacity, tirelessly organizing food drives, reaching out to the marginalized, and spreading hope to those languishing in unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. But he would be the first to say that he is just a man with a mission—a man who, despite Nigeria’s overwhelming challenges, believes that no one should go to bed hungry.

It is this resolve that has earned him admiration and sustained recognition as a man with a heart for the people. But as he often repeats, it’s not about him. In his view, anyone can make a difference. The question is: are we willing to do so?

While Bibire may have the resources to organize large-scale food drives, he, everyday, reminds all and sundry that small acts of kindness—offering a meal, sharing what we have and what have you—can go a long way in easing someone’s suffering, even if just for a day.

It is evidently clear that Nigeria’s current economic situation has made life hard for many, with inflation driving basic necessities out of reach. Food prices have soared, transportation costs have doubled, and millions are struggling to survive. Bibire understands that in a time like this, waiting for the government to solve every problem is unrealistic. His approach is, therefore, simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment to help—start where you are, with what you have. And his food bank is a confirmation to this philosophy.

It is also worth mentioning that Hon. Bibire’s approach is refreshingly different in this our society where many help only when cameras are rolling or when there are strings attached. The fact, as can be attested by many, is that he doesn’t seek applause or accolades; his reward is knowing that he has made someone’s life a little easier.

He is a man who believes that everyone has a responsibility to care for one another with the understanding that the fight against hunger isn’t just about providing food—it’s about restoring hope, and ensuring no one is left behind. So, his call to action is one we should all take to heart: to help those in need, and to remember that no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. And, while we may not all be able to organize large-scale initiatives, we can start by helping those around us who need it most.

It is sufficient to say that Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire is not a man of miracles, but he is certainly a man of action. His heart, larger than life, beats for the welfare of others, and his hands are always extended to lift those who have fallen. What makes him extraordinary is not that he is different from the rest of us, but that he chooses to act while many remain passive.

When people therefore ask, “What manner of man is Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire?” the answer is simple: he is a man driven by sincere compassion, empathy, and an unshakable commitment to service with a firm belief that each of us has the power to change the world around us, one act of kindness at a time. And, this, is the extraordinary truth.