…Empowers Students, Recognizes Youths and Community Promoters
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The quiet community of Ukana was transformed into a hub of celebration as the Maurice Akueme Foundation (MAF) hosted its Annual Convention and Bursary Awards Ceremony, a landmark event that drew participants from different parts of the country. Attendees, who arrived in large numbers, including students and bursary beneficiaries, witnessed a remarkable gathering filled with awards, recognition, music, cultural displays, and messages of peace and unity.
In his opening remark, the President and Founder of the Foundation, Chief Maurice Emeka Akueme (JP), popularly known as Njikokamma Enugu State, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable peace in society, peace through leadership and peace through charity. He cited the recognition bestowed on him by Ohanaeze Ndigbo with the title Njikokamma, a unifier through charity, as evidence of the Foundation’s commitment to fostering harmony and unity.
Chief Akueme further explained that the Maurice Akueme Foundation Annual Convention and Bursary Awards Ceremony has come to stay, describing it as a yearly sacrifice to uplift students, support the needy, and honor deserving youths and community promoters.
“I congratulate all students of this year’s bursary awards,” he said. “Though we had more applicants from Ukana, only those of you here today scaled through our screening process, and we commend you. This occasion is our annual sacrifice at MAF to recognize students, assist the needy, and celebrate youths who have shown leadership capacity. We also honor community developers and promoters who have proven their love for community and who have fostered peace and unity in our society.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by the guest speaker, Barr. Sunny Odenigbo, who dissected the theme: “Peace: The Foundation of Community Development and Progress.” He noted that peace is universally recognized as the bedrock upon which sustainable community development and progress is built, stressing that its absence continues to undermine efforts to improve living standards, drive economic growth, and promote social cohesion both in Nigeria and globally.
Defining peace as not merely the absence of war or violence, Odenigbo explained that it also encompasses justice, equity, and harmonious coexistence. According to him, peace can be viewed in both negative and positive dimensions. He urged the people of Ukana and all in attendance to embrace peace, promote it, and sustain it, as peace remains the bedrock of sustainable development.
Other dignitaries who spoke on peace and unity included HRM Igwe Tagbo Ubaka (Igwe Oduoha I of Ukana Kingdom), and Rev. Fr. Prof. Akubue, among others. In their separate remarks, they commended Chief Maurice Emeka Akueme for being a pillar of support not only to the people of Ukana but also to the larger society, praising his unwavering commitment to charity and community development.
The bursary awards saw each beneficiary receiving ₦50,000. The awardees included: Ubenyi Onyinyechi Gift, Ozougwu Ifunanya Loretta, Okuonu Chidimma Lucy, Ogbaji Paul Justus Uchenna, Ugwu Emmanuel Ekenedilichukwu, Nnamani Chidera Benedine, Mmayie Chinaza Nnenna, Mathias-Mmah Chidimma Ebubechukwu, Madu Daberechukwu Stephanie, Igwebuike Chukwuemeka MacDonald, Igwebuike Collins Ifeanyichukwu, Eze Chiemerie Patrick, Eze Chiamaka Juliana, Enudi Blessing Chukwuasoka, Chidubem Chima Divine, Chibuzo-Akueme Chibuike Samuel, Amuta Somtochukwu Augustina, Akueme Blessing Chinasaokwu, Agubuchie Chinwendu Christabel, Agbowa Nnedimma Maryann, Aganigbo Henry Kamsi, Ogbaji Favour Mmesoma, Okwudinjo Chidubem Paul, Agada Christabel Chidimma, Okpo Anastecia Akuchinyere, and Okworka Lawrencia Ifeyinwa.
Other categories of recognition included the Outstanding Leadership Award, presented to Elijah Ejike Onyema and Ebuka Ogbaji, each with a cash prize of ₦50,000 for demonstrating exemplary leadership in Ukana.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards went to Purity Alaiga (Ada Ukana) and Obinna Akubue, who each received ₦100,000 after emerging winners of a public Google poll.
In another highlight, the MAF Icon of Peace Award was presented to Rev. Barr. Sunny Charles Odenigbo (rpa, FNIMN, FICMC, FCie) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to peacebuilding and social harmony.
The colorful ceremony featured numerous activities including bursary award presentations, leadership and MVP recognitions, dissection of the event theme, cutting of cake, live musical performances, drama, cultural dances, refreshments, and heartfelt testimonies from beneficiaries.
By the close of the event, it was clear that the Maurice Akueme Foundation had once again reinforced its reputation as a driving force for peace, unity, and community empowerment in Ukana and beyond.