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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Hundreds of residents of Umuezegwu Autonomous Community in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State over the weekend expressed their joy as the Reverend Father Mazi UC Foundation commissioned a package of humanitarian projects aimed at easing hardship and expanding access to education and clean water.
The projects, championed by Nigerian-Austrian Catholic priest Reverend Father Henry Igbokwe, popularly called Father Mazi UC, included a newly built three-bedroom bungalow for indigent family in Nkwumeato, the award of scholarships to 140 students, and the inauguration of a solar-powered borehole for Umuezegwu and neighboring communities.
The Foundation also distributed more than 50 bags of 50kg rice, 15 sewing machines, and educational materials to beneficiaries as part of the outreach. Commissioning the projects, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, described the interventions as an example of compassionate leadership.
“The solar-powered borehole will significantly improve access to potable water and reduce the hardship faced by our people,” Olemgbe said. “Acts of generosity rooted in service to humanity create enduring legacies. The reward for hard work is more work.”
He urged the cleric to sustain the work and recalled the contributions of another Catholic priest from the area whose service continues to benefit the community.
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Speaking to journalists after the event, Fr. Mazi UC said the Foundation was set up to translate the ideals of love and charity into concrete action.
“The house is meant to restore hope, dignity and stability to an indigent family,” he said. “The scholarship programme is to remove financial barriers for academically gifted children who otherwise cannot access quality education.”
He disclosed that the solar-powered borehole cost over ₦20 million and is expected to provide a dependable source of clean water, improving public health in Umuezegwu and surrounding areas
Fr. Mazi UC said his commitment to philanthropy was shaped by the support he received growing up, particularly from his mentor, Reverend Father Sabinus Iwe.
“Genuine philanthropy is not defined by the volume of one’s resources but by the readiness to use whatever one has to uplift others and create lasting positive change,” he added.
Community leaders and beneficiaries at the event described the interventions as timely.
