Yet another Igbo boy has done Nigeria proud abroad. He is 13-year-old racer, Ugo Ugochukwu, who has been signed by Formula 1 team, McLaren after his win in FIA European carting championship.
With his latest contract, McLaren will be supporting him as he scaled through the junior categories of the sport.
“We’ve been watching Ugo’s progress with interest, so when the opportunity to sign an agreement with him became available, we had no hesitation moving on it.”
His mother, Oluchi Onweagba, took to her Instagram page after the positive news to appreciate God for the blessing.
Hours after, the federal government, through the head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated the teenager for making the country proud, noting that the boy is the first Nigerian to get such honour in motorsport.
Congrats to 13-year old Ugo Ugochukwu, son of Super model Oluchi Onweagba as he becomes the first Nigerian to win a world karting championship, and get signed by McLaren to race in Formula 1 when he grows older.#ProudlyNigerian
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) March 22, 2021
Nigerians have since been commenting on the boy’s success.
While many stressed the need for a good environment to make stars in the country shine, others simply took pride in Ugochukwu’s success.
Among several reactions on Twitter, @Faceless_Oyi wrote: “If he grew up in Nigeria, he would be wasting somewhere and not reach his full potentials. This is enough proof that every Nigerian that wants a good future for yourself and family should Vamooz.”
