The Maurice Akueme Foundation (MAF) on Saturday hosted its highly anticipated Annual Convention and Bursary Awards Ceremony in Ukana, Udi local government area of Enugu state where several deserving students and community leaders were recognized for their contributions to education, leadership and the promotion of peace.
The event attracted a diverse group of attendees from across the country, including students, dignitaries and community leaders.
The ceremony marked another significant chapter in the Foundation’s commitment to fostering peace, unity and the development of future leaders.
The event kicked off with an inspiring opening speech by Chief Maurice Emeka Akueme, President and Founder of the Maurice Akueme Foundation.
Akueme, who was honored with the Chieftaincy title of Njikokamma by Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo for his efforts in promoting unity through charity, emphasized the importance of peace in society.
He discussed the Foundation’s role in bringing people together through charitable acts and community development.
“Peace through leadership and peace through charity are central to the work we do here at MAF,” Akueme stated.
“This ceremony is part of our yearly sacrifice to recognize and empower students, support the needy, and honor those who have contributed to the growth and peace of their communities.”
Akueme also highlighted the Foundation’s annual commitment to supporting the education of Nigerian students, stating, “this is not just a ceremony but a tradition that reflects our belief in the power of education to change lives and shape the future.”
Barr. Sunny Odenigbo, the event’s keynote speaker, addressed the theme of the convention, “Peace: The Foundation of Community Development and Progress.”
Odenigbo stressed that peace is a cornerstone of any thriving society and is essential for sustainable development.
He defined peace not only as the absence of conflict but as the presence of justice, equity, and harmony.
“Peace is universally recognized as the bedrock upon which community development and progress are built,” Odenigbo said.
“Without peace, no nation can truly flourish and no community can achieve its full potential.”
Odenigbo also called on the people of Ukana and beyond to actively embrace peace, both in their homes and in their communities and to work towards maintaining it for the betterment of society.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of bursaries to deserving students.
A total of 50,000 Naira each was awarded to several students from different parts of Nigeria, including Ubenyi Onyinyechi Gift, Ozougwu Ifunanya Loretta and Mmayie Chinaza Nnenna, among others.
The bursary awards aimed to ease the financial burden on students and encourage academic excellence.
In addition to the bursary awards, the Foundation recognized outstanding youth leaders with the Outstanding Leadership Award.
Elijah Ejike Onyema and Ebuka Ogbaji received 50,000 Naira each for their exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to their community.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award was presented in two categories.
Purity Alaiga (Ada Ukana) and Obinna Akubue were both awarded 100,000 Naira each for their impressive contributions to community development, based on votes from a public Google poll.
The prestigious MAF Icon of Peace Award was presented to Rev. Barr. Sunny Charles Odenigbo for his continuous advocacy of peace, unity and justice within Nigeria.
