Amby Uneze in Owerri
The Umuezegwu Autonomous Community in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State and it's environs came alive with celebration as the Fr. Mazi UC Foundation unveiled series of humanitarian projects that have brought renewed hope to hundreds of beneficiaries across the state.
The outreach, led by Nigerian-Austrian-based Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Henry Uche Igbokwe, popularly known as Fr. Mazi UC, featured the commissioning of a newly completed modern three-bedroom bungalow for an indigent family at Nkwumeato, Ihitte/Uboma LGA, the presentation of scholarships to 140 indigent students from across Imo North Senatorial District, and the inauguration of a gigantic solar-powered borehole to provide clean and potable water to Umuezegwu and neighbouring communities.
As part of the empowerment programme, the Foundation also distributed more than 50 bags of 50kg rice, 15 sewing machines, school materials and other relief items to selected beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event held in Umuezegwu, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, commended Fr. Mazi UC for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, describing the interventions as a practical demonstration of compassion and responsible leadership.
According to the Speaker, the projects reflect a sincere desire to uplift the less privileged and address pressing social needs. He noted that the solar-powered borehole would significantly improve access to potable water for residents while encouraging Fr. Mazi UC to sustain the Foundation's humanitarian vision. He further observed that acts of selfless service such as those demonstrated by Fr. Mazi UC would leave an enduring legacy, recalling the contributions of another Catholic priest from the area who devoted himself to community development.
Addressing journalists shortly after the commissioning, Fr. Mazi UC said the Foundation was established to translate the values of love, compassion and selfless service into practical interventions capable of changing lives.
Fr. Mazi UC explained that the donated bungalow was built to restore dignity and hope to a family in need, while the scholarship programme was designed to ensure that talented children are not denied access to quality education because of financial challenges.
The cleric disclosed that the newly commissioned solar-powered borehole, valued at over ₦20 million, would provide a sustainable source of clean water for Umuezegwu and surrounding communities.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the Foundation, Fr. Mazi UC attributed his passion for humanitarian service to the kindness he experienced while growing up. He paid glowing tribute to his mentor, Rev. Fr. Sabinus Iwe, whose support and encouragement enabled him to pursue his education and shaped his commitment to giving back to society.
He revealed that the Fr. Mazi UC Foundation has remained consistent in its humanitarian mission over the past four years, carrying out various empowerment programmes whenever he returns to Nigeria from Austria.
According to the cleric, genuine philanthropy is not determined by the size of one's wealth but by the willingness to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Community leaders, beneficiaries and residents who witnessed the event described the interventions of the Fr. Mazi UC Foundation as timely and life changing, expressing optimism that the projects would improve living standards and inspire more individuals to embrace community driven development.
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