The Fr Mazi UC Foundation, has awarded scholarships to 140 indigent students from Umuezegwu Autonomous Community in Ihitte/Uboma local government area of Imo state to improve the welfare of vulnerable individuals and families.
An outreach spearheaded by Nigerian-Austrian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Henry Uche Igbokwe, popularly known as Fr Mazi UC, the foundation awarded scholarships to 140 indigent students drawn from the six local government areas of Imo North Senatorial District and commissioned a large solar-powered borehole to provide clean drinking water to Umuezegwu and neighbouring communities.
The event also witnessed the commissioning of a fully furnished three bedroom bungalow for a less privileged family at Nkwumeato in Ihitte/Uboma.
In addition, dozens of beneficiaries received relief materials, including over 50 bags of 50kg rice, 15 sewing machines, school supplies and other empowerment items intended to support their livelihoods.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe, applauded Fr Mazi UC for using his Foundation as a platform to uplift the needy and promote community development.
He described the projects as evidence of genuine concern for humanity, noting that the borehole would ease the burden of water scarcity in the area while improving public health.
The Speaker encouraged Fr Mazi UC to remain steadfast in his commitment to humanitarian service, adding that such acts of generosity would continue to leave lasting memories for generations.
He also recalled the remarkable developmental contributions of another Catholic priest from the community whose legacy continues to inspire many.
Speaking with journalists after the commissioning, Fr Mazi UC explained that the Foundation was established to translate Christian values of love, charity and compassion into practical interventions that directly improve people’s lives.
He stated that the newly donated bungalow was intended to restore hope and dignity to an indigent family, while the scholarship scheme seeks to ensure that brilliant but financially disadvantaged children are able to pursue their education without interruption.
The Catholic priest further disclosed that the newly inaugurated solar-powered borehole, valued at over N20 million was designed to provide a reliable and sustainable supply of potable water for residents of Umuezegwu and neighbouring communities.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind his humanitarian work, Mazi UC said his passion for giving was shaped by the kindness and support he received while growing up.
He paid glowing tribute to his mentor, Rev. Fr Sabinus Iwe, whose guidance and encouragement made it possible for him to acquire quality education and inspired his lifelong commitment to helping others.
The clergy noted that for the past four years, the Fr Mazi UC Foundation has consistently undertaken charitable and empowerment programmes each time he returns to Nigeria from Austria.
According to him, true philanthropy is measured not by the amount of wealth one possesses but by the willingness to positively impact the lives of those in need.
Many beneficiaries, traditional leaders and residents who attended the event expressed appreciation for the foundation’s interventions, describing them as timely, impactful and capable of improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the community while motivating others to invest in humanitarian and community-based development.
