Hon. Sir Collins Ughalaa, Special Adviser to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Public Communications, has secured Federal Government scholarships for 10 youths in his immediate community, Mgbala Agwa Autonomous Community, and Agwa Clan in Oguta LGA of Imo State, in general.

Ughalaa, a Knight of St. Christopher, ace journalist, political and community leader, also secured employment for some youths in his community into the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, now called Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital (FUTOTH) and the Nigeria Immigration Service, etcetera.

He got the opportunities that he extended to the beneficiaries while working as media aide to the former Minister of State for Education, Rt. Hon Goodluck Nanah Opiah, between August 2022 and May 2023.

Some of the beneficiaries of the federal government scholarships are scattered across various universities in Nigeria, including the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, University of Calabar, Cross River State, while others are scattered in foreign universities in China, Canada and Morocco.

In two separate videos that have gone viral, two of the beneficiaries of the foreign scholarships who are currently schooling in China, Mr. Miracle Chinonso Akalado and Mr. Darlington Nwaiwu thanked the former Minister and Sir Ughalaa for the opportunities.

When contacted to comment on the development, elated Ughalaa said he is grateful to his boss, former Minister of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah, for giving him the opportunity to impact lives in his immediate community and beyond.

He said: “First of all, I’m grateful to my boss, Rt. Hon Goodluck Nanah Opiah, for giving me the opportunity to impact lives in my immediate communities and beyond. If you asked me, I would say we should thank the Rt. Hon. Opiah because he deserves all the commendations. If my memory serves me well, this is the first time we are experiencing something like this in my community, and I can’t thank my boss enough for the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, community leaders from Agwa Clan have showered encomiums on the former Minister and Ughalaa, saying that their benevolence was exemplary.

A lecturer with the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Engr Prof I. C. Madufor, thanked the benefactors, adding that one of his daughters also benefitted from the scholarships. “Congratulations to Sir Collins Ughalaa for making this possible. Indeed, you have shown your intent and purposes that if given a more enhanced position, you will do more than this. May God bless you and your family immensely,” he said.

Another community leader who identified Ughalaa as a brother and in-law said: “My brother and our in-law, for doing this for your kinsmen you have shown that you have a good heart, and only God will reward you and your family. Continue doing good, and God will bless and remember you for good.”

While congratulating the beneficiaries, another community leader said: “Congratulations to you, my brother. It is not easy, and for those who made it possible, may God bless them and their families. This is the kind news we need to hear from Agwa. Congratulations once more. And thanks to the Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah for his good deeds.”

Another community leader named Obinna also lent his voice to the commendations, saying: “This is good!

We must always appreciate the good gestures by our brothers. Collins Ughalaa; salute gunshots for you. Indeed, this is a welcome development and a great act from your side. Thank you so much for this.”

The President General of Agwa Central Union (ACU), Barr Benson Akunya, encouraged others to emulate Ughalaa’s good gestures. He said: “This is the kind of news we need on this platform. Weldone Sir Collins. I encourage others to emulate you. In any way you can help another Agwa gro, do it without hesitation.”

For Nduka Ozor, a popular leader in the area, “Stories like this lifts my spirit. This is the second of such videos I am watching. Thank you for being this helpful to people when it matters.” Another leader, Ngozi Ajaero, said: Thanks to Hons Opiah and Collins. Well done, good deeds must be appreciated.”

Some youth leaders in the area also commented and prayed God to bless the benefactors. “The whole commendation goes to Sir Collins Ughalaa. You have made yet another solid mark in our community. Leadership is more by action, and you have shown it again. We’re now more convinced to solidly give you support in any capacity we can afford. God bless you. Because of this testimony, I shall arrange a hangout with my friends to celebrate your magnanimity. You’ve done well, Sir Collins Ughalaa,” said a youth leader and poet identified as Desmond.