The last is not yet heard of a hawking-boy whose prodigious singing skill has earned him automatic scholarships and other rewards from well-meaning Nigerians.
A nine-year-old Joseph Oluomachi Opara, whose angelic voice has captivated Nigerians in a spontaneous viral video currently trending on all social media platforms, has latched onto instant prosperity after a struggling life.
Opara, the little boy, never knew that keeping a tray of coconut and pear to display his singing prowess on the roadside would have brought him a huge fortune.
From more than 8,150 likes and 18,000 comments by Twitter users, Oluamachi, the Igbo boy, has notched a fortune that may see him abandoning hawking forever and heading to school to hone his musical talent.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has awarded a lifetime scholarship to the singing soprano minstrel from Primary school to Priesthood.
Uzodimma, who made the promise on his verified social media handles thus: “In celebration of father’s day, I directed that little 9-year-old Master Joseph Oluomachi Opara, the viral Imo State-born singer be contacted as I announce my intentions to adopt him as my own child and to undertake, personally, to sponsor him from primary school level (his current educational level) to Catholic priesthood (his career choice)
“Master Opara made waves on the internet at the weekend with videos of his unique rendition of some catholic hymns/songs which marked him out as a specially talented kid singer. This attracted instant applause and commendations from the public.
“I believe in harnessing skills and talents and grooming them to be of better use to mankind and to this end, I directed that the family, through the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Declan Emelumba be informed of my intention to adopt their son as my own child and to personally take over the full responsibility of his training until he becomes a Reverend Father, which he said is his life ambition.
“It is my expectation and prayer that little Oluoma attains his full potentials in God’s time.”
Senator Stella Oduah on Saturday tweeted, “This amazing sonorous angel MUST be encouraged so I ask anyone that knows his whereabouts to help me locate him.”
Oduah, a former Minister of Aviation and Nigerian Senator representing Anambra North, stated “A full scholarship and also classes at our Music School awaits him already.”
Mr. Peter Obi (@PeterObi) tweeted on Sunday “I have followed with interest the reactions to the video of the singing Oluamachi.
Writing on his verified social media Twitter handle, Mr. Peter Obi tweeted: “I have followed with interest the reactions to the video of the singing Oluamachi. What a demonstration of God’s gift! I thank all those that have shown interest in helping him through various means.
“I thank in a special way, the Superior General of S.M.M.M, Rev. Fr. George Okorie, for the scholarship given Oluamachi to study in their Seminary at Bende, to realise his noble ambition of being a priest.
“I shall make myself available to support any worthwhile effort to attaining his praise-worthy ambition.”
“What a demonstration of God’s gift! I thank all those that have shown interest in helping him through various means,” Obi, a one-time Anambra Governor and PDP Vice-Presidential Candidate, remarked.
One George Okorie, has awarded a scholarship to Oluamachi to study in their Seminary at Bende, to realise his noble ambition of being a priest.
More stories later…
