Ugonna Onah, a graduate of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), who volunteered at the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE) stands a high chance of landing a job at the Centre after her youth service. Onah attained this status through her zeal, dedication and determination as a volunteer at the Centre.
According to the Founder of CSAAE, Rev. Fr. Dr. Godswill Agbagwa, who took to his Facebook account on November 18,2020, to laud the young lady who despite the financial constraint she encountered in her service to the Centre as a volunteer did not give up on her passion. “Ugonna is a true volunteer. I asked her why she kept volunteering even without any form of pay, she said that she loves what we do at CSAAE and that’s her passion,” he said.
Despite the fact that the recommendation to financially support Onah, by the Manager of the Career Building and Entrepreneurship Program (CBEP), Mrs. Ifeoma Oronsaye, was rejected by the Founder, Onah persisted and continued with her work. “I refused and instructed that she should stop volunteering if she had no transport money to come to the office. The manager was not happy with my decision as she feared that Ugonna may leave. Truly, Ugonna was giving her a lot of help in the office. She was also helping other employees. I knew this too well but still made my decision”, Fr. Agbagwa said.
The young lady who is currently undergoing her NYSC program started volunteering at CSAAE in June 2020. She was dedicated in her service to the Centre but had challenges in transporting herself to the office although her parents assisted her financially in ensuring that she continued.
Oronsaye describing Ugonna Onah said: “Ugonna is my mentee. She is a member of my Church, Truelight Glory House Ministry. She is dedicated and hardworking. She was of great assistance to me while I was working with the Young Mompreneurs Initiative (YOMI) Walk-Through initiative. She was always ready to assist and register the businesswomen into YOMI. She sought for large buyers for their enterprises and was readily available for other administrative work in the office. In addition, she also endeared herself to other employees, as she was readily available to assist them”. The CBEP manager was elated to hear that Ugonna may be absorbed into the Centre.
Without any hint that she was subjected to a test, Ugonna Onah exceeded the pass mark as she dutifully performed her tasks. Three months into her volunteering work, Onah’s effort was crowned with success as the Founder instructed that she be refunded all the expenses she had incurred while working for the Centre.
This should serve as a reminder to young people to be the best that they can be wherever they find themselves. The spirit of volunteering is not a robust culture in Nigeria as many people expect monetary compensations when they volunteer. But as Fr. Agbagwa said: “If you want to volunteer, volunteer like Ugonna.”
By Sr. Roseline Reuben
