Abia: Blind orphan in joyful tears as senator, governor offer scholarships
Twenty-four years ago in Obohia Ibere, a remote village in Ikwuano local government area (LGA) of Abia State, a poor widow whose only means of livelihood was farming had high hopes the birth of baby Mpama Frank Ifeanyi would turn her fortunes around for the better. Her depression gave way to optimism as she believed, with the rest of her extended family, her dead husband who passed on shortly after Mpama was conceived had, according to African mythology, reincarnated.
But the family’s joy was short-lived as Mpama developed a serious health condition two years after. Worried by the strange illness, the poor widow and relatives carried the baby from one hospital to another. But instead of improving, Mpama’s health deteriorated terrifyingly.
One fateful morning, baby Mpama was quickly rushed to a hospital after showing signs of visual impairment. To the consternation of the mother, the doctor confirmed her worst fear.
“Madam we are sorry. Your baby has gone blind.”
She never recovered from the shocking news. After eight-years of expecting a miracle, she gave in to dismay and gave up the ghost after a brief illness leaving behind little blind Mpama who was barely 10 years old. With nobody to show proper care needed in cases of such disability, the boy had only his walking stick as handy companion, leading him through the rough edges of untarred village pathways.
Determined to ensure little Mpama did not become a beggar, his grandmother through the help of Abia State Ministry of Education enrolled him in school but not without help from one Mrs Amajo Sunshine – a Good Samaritan.
Mpama completed secondary school education and thereafter gained admission into the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) where he is studying Education. His journey was made successful by collective assistance from kindhearted individuals including Mrs. Ikpeazu, the wife of Abia State Governor. Mpama is currently on First Class and in 200 level.
He was at the verge of dropping out of school when his ordeal was brought before our amiable Senator Theodore Orji who directed him to apply for his annual scholarship scheme – an initiative that has brought joy back to the life of one of Abia’s brightest students as well as to 71 other indigent undergraduates.
“All I was saying in my prayers was God show yourself in my predicaments,” an emotional Mpama said holding Sen. Orji.
“But instead of sending me a helper, God gave me a father I never had in Sen. T.A Orji. You are all I have now.”
As he tried, but failed, to stop tears, Mpama continued, “Sen. Orji not only gave me an annual scholarship but a comprehensive scholarship which will take care of my tuition fee, text books, faculty fee and every other vital fees until my graduation.”
Mpama noted that the scholarship means a lot to him as it will help him graduate from the university as well as help him actualize his life time dream of becoming a lecturer.
There was pin-drop silence as dignitaries who graced the occasion were almost moved to tears. Stunned, the ever smiling Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who was absolutely touched by the short but emotional speech of the blind recipient said, “Abia Scholarship Board will be revived this year (2017)”.
As if that was not enough, Ikpeazu, also added two additional slots (strictly for the physically challenged) each to the six LGAs that make up Abia Central Senatorial District – Ikwuano, Osisioma, Umuahia North/South, Isiala Ngwa North/South – to support the benevolence of Sen. T.A Orji in response to a request Mpama made.
The Governor who described Sen. Orji’s representation at the National Assembly as “very intimidating” added that Sen. Orji is a passionate man, father to the fatherless and husband to widows.
“You have continued to show passion for Abia youth with heartwarming programmes which include care for the needy, empowerment for youths, artisans/farmers as well as the scholarship programme for our indigent undergraduates,” impressed Ikpeazu said to the acquiescence of the delighted crowd.
The governor, however, urged the beneficiaries to strictly apply the funds to their academics to lessen the financial burden on their parents saying that the gesture from Sen. Orji was not a license to be frivolous or careless. He further admonished the recipients to resist the temptation of making unnecessary financial demands on their parents.
Apart from this unusual case of the blind First Class student, 59 other indigent undergraduates also benefitted from the second phase of Sen. Orji annual scholarship scheme. They were selected (10 each) from the six LGAs that make up Abia State Central Senatorial District bringing the number of beneficiaries to 120 since 2016 when the programme was introduced to promote literacy in the constituency.
In response to the praises heaped on him, Sen. Orji humbly said all glory should be given to God whom it pleased to use him as instrument to bringing joy to the heart of his children.
According to him, the scholarship scheme was not to show-off but to assist the state government in advancing the educational course of Abia youth.
“I took up this task out of my personal conviction that education remains the best empowerment for the youths in my constituency considering its pivotal role in the development of the society,” Sen. Orji said.
Orji, who also commended the impressive performance of the state in the education sector for consistently maintaining second position in WAEC for some years now, urged the recipients to “reciprocate and justify this gesture by excelling in your academics.”
Mpama also has a message for physically challenged persons who have taken to begging as means of surviving. He urged them to have a rethink and make hay while the sun shines.
“God has given us various talents. He will not be happy to see us misuse these talents. God wants us to enhance our talents and use it to develop others. Everyone should work hard to ensure success no matter the condition one finds his/herself,” he said.
Don Norman Obinna is media aide to Senator Theodore Orji.
