For Oluomachi Joseph Opara, a nine year old boy from Mbaise, Imo State, multiple fortune seem to have become his closest companion. Within a space of days his life story has been transformed from grass to grace, thanks to God’s favour. Blessed with an angelic voice, the poor boy was hawking some pears down the street and humming some Church choruses when the tone caught the fancy of a business man, Mr. Stanley, who paused to identify the source.
Thrilled by the discovery, he urged the boy to sing while he recorded and uploaded it online. The rest, they say, is now history. The video of the immensely talented boy has caught the fancy of many who are now falling on top of each other to extend scholarship and favours to him. First was the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma who announced that he would sponsor his education up to University level.
While that was yet to be digested, the Catholic Church through the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation offered to train the boy who had opted to become a Catholic priest. They have already visited his parents to seal the arrangement. This was disclosed by the Director of Communications of the Congregation, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Nonso Ogbu, SMMM. “The family accepted that the boy will be trained in our Minor Seminary, Mercy Seminary Bende since he has the initial desire to become a Catholic priest which will pass the process of discernment without prejudice to his musical talent.
Consequently the Congregation will set up Education Support Fund with the name Oluomachi Joseph/Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Educational Support for the sole purpose to educate and develop the young boy. Other individuals or corporate organizations who wish to assist him in any other way are welcome.” Also, several eminent Nigerians have been reaching out to the boy’s family to support financially and bless them with words of encouragement. Ace Catholic composer, Sir Jude Nnam has also showed special interest for Master Oluomachukwu by promising to assist him musically. Who says God is not wonderful?
