The Awkunanaw Enlightenment Foundation Inc. (Awkulite), a foremost graduate association in the Awkunanaw clan, with core mandate of emercipating it’s sons and daughters through education and scholarship, has again reaffirmed its position as a pacesetter in community-driven educational development with the successful hosting of its 2025 Graduate Conference, End-of-the-Year Dinner and Official Presentation of Scholarship Beneficiaries.
The landmark event, held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Universal Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu, brought together eminent sons and daughters of Awkunanaw, community leaders, seasoned professionals, education stakeholders and scholarship beneficiaries. Chaired by Chief Hycienth Ngwu (Ohabuenyi), the gathering was united by a shared conviction that education remains the most enduring tool for individual empowerment and collective development.
According to a statement signed by the General Secretary of Awkulite, Surv. Geoffrey Ndubuisi Agbo, the conference once again showcased the Foundation’s purposeful leadership, consistency and measurable impact in expanding access to education for indigent but brilliant students of Awkunanaw origin.
“The 2025 Graduate Conference stands as clear evidence that when a community deliberately invests in education, it secures its future and defines its destiny,” Agbo stated.
The event was further dignified by the presence of highly respected personalities and accomplished sons and daughters of the Awkunanaw clan, whose attendance underscored the importance of the occasion and Awkulite’s growing stature. Prominent among them were Sir (Dr.) Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa, a Federal Permanent Secretary (rtd) and Chairman of the Awkulite Board of Trustees; Chief Emmanuel Nnamani, former Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Others are; Hon. Barr. Noble Sunday Ngene; Amb. Dr. Iyke Odo, Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals; Ozo Friday Chukwu (Akpazie Aku); Prof. Mary Ngozi Nnamani, Professor of Health Education and Director, General Studies Division, ESUT; Hon. Peter Nnaji, Member I of the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission; Chief Okechukwu Nwankwo; Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, mni, former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State and former member of Federal House of Representatives; Amb. Gordi Agbo, former Ambassador of Nigeria to Japan; Maj. Gen. C. O. Ugwu (rtd), former Ambassador of Nigeria to Poland; Chief Madueke Nicholas Nsude, mni, seasoned administrator and Past National President of Awkulite; Chief Dr. John Egbo, Managing Director of Enugu East Zone Transport Terminals; and Engr. Peter C. Ani, former Brewery Manager at Nigerian Breweries Plc.
Their presence, the Foundation noted, reinforced a shared resolve to advance education as a sustainable pathway to development within the Awkunanaw clan.
A major highlight of the conference was the conferment of the Awkulite Champions of Education Award on thirteen distinguished personalities whose generosity and unwavering commitment have continued to expand access to quality education for Awkunanaw students. The honourees were Sir Dr. Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa; Chief Emmanuel O. Nnamani; Hon. Barr. Noble Sunday Ngene; Amb. Dr. Iyke Odo; Ozo Friday Chukwu; Prof. Mary Ngozi Nnamani; Hon. Peter Nnaji; Chief Okechukwu Nwankwo; Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, mni; Amb. Gordi Agbo; Maj. Gen. C. O. Ugwu (rtd); Late Dr. Ezekiel Emeka Agwu (Posthumous); and Chief Hycienth Ngwu (Ohabuenyi).
“These awardees are true Champions of Education whose investments in human capital continue to shape future leaders and strengthen the intellectual foundation of Awkunanaw,” Agbo said.
In recognition of exemplary service and visionary leadership, Chief Madueke Nicholas Nsude, mni, was honoured with the Awkulite Distinguished Past President’s Award for his enduring legacy and contributions to the Foundation during his tenure as National President from 2017 to 2020. Similarly, Chief Dr. John Egbo and Engr. Peter C. Ani received the Awkulite Partners-in-Education Award for their strategic collaboration and unwavering support for Awkulite’s educational mission.
Beyond recognition and honours, the conference recorded transformative pledges aimed at significantly expanding Awkulite’s scholarship footprint. Ozo Friday Chukwu pledged scholarships for two undergraduate students, two Master’s degree students and one Ph.D. student, while Maj. Gen. C. O. Ugwu (rtd) committed ₦1,000,000 to the Awkulite Scholarship Scheme. Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, mni pledged scholarships for ten undergraduate students, Hon. Peter Nnaji pledged scholarships for three undergraduates, Hon. Barr. Noble Sunday Ngene pledged bursary awards to five secondary school students from each of the eight major communities of Awkunanaw clan, and Chief Hycienth Ngwu (Ohabuenyi) donated ₦500,000 to the scholarship scheme.
“These commitments reflect a collective determination to invest deliberately in education as a sustainable instrument for development and social equity,” the statement noted.
The presentation of scholarship beneficiaries was described as one of the most emotional moments of the event. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Barr. Queendaline Ewo expressed profound gratitude to the benefactors and the Awkulite Foundation for what she described as a rare opportunity to pursue academic aspirations.
In a powerful demonstration of the multiplying impact of Awkulite’s intervention, Mr. Ernest Ejike Ani, a pioneer scholarship beneficiary who later joined the Foundation as a member, also expressed appreciation and announced a personal pledge to sponsor one bursary award for a secondary school student in each of the eight major communities of Awkunanaw clan.
Speaking on behalf of other benefactors, Prof. Mary Ngozi Nnamani commended Awkulite for providing a credible and transparent platform through which support reaches those who truly need it, urging beneficiaries to remain steadfast in their pursuit of academic excellence.
All award recipients and scholarship benefactors, according to the statement, expressed deep appreciation for the honour accorded them and reaffirmed their commitment to the Awkulite vision and the continued support of educational development across the clan.
The Foundation attributed the overall success of the 2025 Graduate Conference to the visionary leadership of National President, Bro. Amechi O. Ugwu; the tireless efforts of Prof. Humphrey Afam Nwobodo, Vice President and Chairman of the Graduate Conference Planning Committee; the administrative leadership of Surv. Geoffrey Ndubuisi Agbo, General Secretary; and the oversight of the Education Committee led by Engr. Dr. Patrick C. Nnaji and Dr. Oforbuike Nwachukwu, alongside the dedication of all executives and members.
As Awkulite continues to illuminate minds and empower generations, the Foundation has called on members of the public, philanthropists, corporate organisations and friends of Awkunanaw to partner in sustaining and expanding its educational mission.
“Awkulite remains a beacon of hope for indigent sons and daughters of Awkunanaw clan, many of whom are today graduates and productive citizens,” the statement noted, adding that strategic partnerships and sustained support are critical to scaling the Foundation’s impact.
Interested individuals, organisations and benefactors willing to partner, sponsor or support Awkulite’s educational initiatives were encouraged to contact the Foundation through the following channels:
National President: Bro. Amechi O. Ugwu — 08033316636
General Secretary: Surv. Geoffrey Ndubuisi Agbo — 07037183701
The statement concluded by reaffirming Awkulite’s commitment to using education as a catalyst for social mobility, equity and long-term development, stressing that when a community deliberately invests in learning, it secures its future and defines its destiny.
